FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets, already struggling on defense, will be without linebacker Quincy Williams for at least four games.
Williams, who injured a shoulder Sunday in the team's 29-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The injury isn't season-ending, a source said.
The former first-team All-Pro got caught in a pileup on a third-and-2 running play and left the game. He didn't return. Williams was replaced by Marcelino McCrary-Ball, who plays predominantly on special teams.
McCrary-Ball also was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a hamstring injury. Rookie Kiko Mauigoa or Cam Jones will likely now start as the Jets' second linebacker.
Williams is an every-down linebacker and tone-setter with sideline-to-sideline speed. He has 1.5 sacks, 15 tackles (second on the team) and 2 tackles for loss.
The Jets (0-3), who face the Miami Dolphins (0-3) on Monday night, are off to a slow start on defense. New York has allowed 93 points, fourth most in the NFL. At their current pace, the Jets would allow a franchise high 527 points on the season.
To help their depth, they signed linebacker Mark Robinson from the New England Patriots' practice squad. The fourth-year veteran played in all three games for the Patriots, exclusively on special teams.
The Jets also signed veteran linebacker Ben Niemann to the practice squad and released offensive lineman Liam Fornadel from the practice squad.
The Jets' other key injury question involves quarterback Justin Fields, who is in concussion protocol. He missed last week, and Tyrod Taylor got the start. The Jets will have a better sense of Fields' status by Thursday, when they hold their first practice of the week.
