Watch Now:

Mauldin (back) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Connor Hughes of NJ.com reports.

Mauldin could return to the Jets' active roster later this season if his back injury subsides, but the earliest he could take the field for game-action would be Week 8. The linebacker missed almost all of the preseason after injuring his back during the Jets' opening week scrimmage. Mauldin has been a key cog in the Jets defense for the past two seasons, recording 33 tackles and 6.5 sacks over a span of 26 games. To replace the third-year pro, the Jets brought in veteran Bruce Carter, whom they originally waived Sunday.

More News