EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Chris Herndon #89 of the New York Jets celebrates his touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The New York Jets will be without second-year tight end Chris Herndon thanks to a four-game suspension. How much of an impact will his absence have?

A big X-factor for the New York Jets, Chris Herndon, was handed a four game suspension for violating the NFL’s league substance abuse policy. The Jets will be without one of Sam Darnold’s favorite targets until October 7th. With Herndon out for the first quarter of the season, there is no question the Jets will suffer.

The second year tight end is a playmaker, and arguably the most likely to make a surprise impact for the Gang Green this season. With Herndon out, the Jets are facing a massive setback, and potential terrible opening to the season.

When looking at the Jets’ first four games, they were going to need every weapon on the table to come out alive. The Gang Green’s taking on the Bills, Browns, Patriots and Eagles all without Herndon. Yikes. While Chris Herndon was not a Pro Bowl player in his rookie season, against that kind of competition, Darnold is going to need all his offense running on full steam. Without their starting tight end, Coach Gase is staring at an extremely tough first quarter.

Ultimately, New York could easily be facing a 1-4 start if the rest of the offense isn’t able to pick up Herndon’s mess. Not only will every receiver in the Jets offense have to step up, but the entire team is going to have to cover for Herndon’s misstep this offseason. This misstep happened when Herndon was arrested in June 2018 after a two-car crash in Rockaway, New Jersey. Herndon pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January, but the league felt the suspension was necessary.

With all of this being said, there is some good news to come from this. I’m digging deep, but follow me for a quick second. Whether you like it or not, we are gonna see what this new Jets roster is made of right away. They will definitely get punched in the mouth in week 1, and we’re gonna see how they respond to it when they take on Cleveland at home in week 2. In addition, it is a positive that the suspension happened sooner than later. With it happening so early in the summer, Coach Gase and his staff will be able to plan ahead and figure out how they will do without 89.

While Herndon won’t open with the Jets, but will participate in training camp and the preseason. While all of this is a big setback for the Jets, it will be a good indication as to whether hiring Adam Gase was the right move or not.

How much of an impact will Herndon’s suspension have on the Jets? Give us your take in the comment section!