New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse could miss the regular season opener due to a recent procedure on his abdomen, according to the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta.

The Jets face the Detroit Lions in Week 1 and need Kearse as a vital member of their receiving corps. Jets head coach Todd Bowles raved about the skill, impact, and intelligence he brings to the team in a recent interview.

“He does all the little things. He does all the things right and he's a gamer. He shows up on Sunday, every Sunday, and I think he's been a good guy for the young guys, young receivers to follow after from a work ethic standpoint.”

Last year was Kearse's first year playing for the Jets. He recorded career-highs with 65 receptions, 810 yards, 102 targets, and five touchdowns while playing the most snaps of all wide receivers on the Jets' roster. The 28-year-old is entering his seventh NFL season and became a Super Bowl champion in 2013 when he recorded four receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown in a crushing 43-8 victory for the Seattle Seahawks over the Denver Broncos.

The Jets have still not named their starting quarterback officially, but it appears it will be rookie Sam Darnold over his senior of 18 years, Josh McCown. Darnold has looked impressive, but the Jets don't want to throw him into the fire before he's ready. If he is chosen, he'll need the assistance of veteran targets to help him settle in against starting personnel and compete with the high-octane passing attack of Matthew Stafford and the Lions.