Frank Gore missing Jets finale, career could be over

Frank Gore may have suited up for the last time in the NFL after suffering a lung contusion in Week 16.

New York Jets fans may not be happy about losing the rights to draft Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but the team is ecstatic about their victory over the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday, extending their winning streak to two games. The Jets will look to extend that streak to three next Sunday, but they’ll be without their starting running back.

Jets head coach Adam Gase announced that veteran Frank Gore won’t play in the team’s Week 17 matchup against the New England Patriots due to a lung contusion. This may not only be his last game in a Jets uniform, but it could be the last time we see him play in the NFL.

If this is the end,Gore goes out on a high note

In New York’s win over the shorthanded Browns, Gore made history as he became the third running back to record 16,000 career rushing yards. The only other players to accomplish this feat are Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726).

Let’s preface by saying that this injury isn’t the reason for the potential end of his playing days. Rather, it’s because he’s currently 37-years-old and about to hit the open market at the conclusion of this season. While Gore hasn’t given any clarity on where he might be leaning come 2021, he’s being realistic that no team would be willing to roster a 38-year-old running back.

This past season, Gore took over the starting duties after the team released Le’Veon Bell. In 15 games, Gore rushed for 653 yards and two touchdowns on 187 carries.

It’s unsure if Gore will be suiting up for an NFL team this year, but there’s one thing we do know, and that’s he’ll be wearing a Hall of Fame gold jacket in the very near future.