The Jets grabbed a 14-3 lead over the Chiefs in the second quarter with the help of an interception by safety Jim Leonhard, but it came with a cost.
Leonhard picked off a typically awful Tyler Palko pass intended for Steve Breaston, but hurt his right leg while trying to get away from Breaston on the return. He stayed down on the field for a short while, needed to be helped off the field and then pounded his fist on a cart while being wheeled to the locker room. Leonhard missed most of the second half of last season with a broken leg and this looked like another serious injury.
The Jets have announced Leonhard will not return, leaving them lacking at two spots. They are thin at safety, with only Eric Smith and Brodney Pool available to step into the lineup, and Leonhard has taken over as punt returner after a parade of other Jets candidates fumbled away chances over the last few weeks. Replacing Leonhard will be crucial if the Jets want to continue their playoff push in the final weeks of the season.