In a significant blow to the New York Jets' offensive line, veteran right tackle Morgan Moses will be sidelined for a couple of games due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during the Jets' Week 3 victory over the New England Patriots, shaking up a line that had displayed stability over the first three weeks of the regular season.
Injury Details
The injury took place on a second-and-25 play from the Patriots' 46-yard line late in the third quarter. Moses found himself in a collision with defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche, who eventually brought him down for a sack. The 33-year-old right tackle was seen limping off the field and was subsequently taken to the locker room for further evaluation. The scene was somber as Moses, a cornerstone of the offensive line, was assisted off the field.
Coaching Response
Head coach Robert Saleh addressed the media following the game, confirming the extent of Moses' injury and the inevitable impact on the team's strategy. "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England," Saleh stated. While the injury is significant, there's a silver lining for the Jets; Saleh assured everyone that Moses won't be sidelined long enough to warrant placement on injured reserve. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh added.
Immediate Impact
Morgan Moses has been a critical acquisition for the Jets since being traded from the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason. New York sent a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for Moses while also receiving a fourth-round pick. Moses quickly adapted to the Jets' system and earned the starting right tackle position, providing veteran leadership and stability for the offensive line through the first three games of the season.
Next Man Up
With Moses temporarily sidelined, the Jets will turn to rookie Olu Fashanu, who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to fill the void at right tackle. Saleh and the coaching staff have expressed confidence in Fashanu's abilities despite his lack of experience at the professional level. Meanwhile, Tyron Smith will continue to hold down the left tackle position, ensuring that at least one side of quarterback protection remains steadfast.
This situation underscores the importance of depth and adaptability within any NFL roster. The Jets' ability to still function at a high level without a key player like Morgan Moses will be tested in the upcoming games. The team is hopeful that Fashanu can rise to the occasion and that Moses will return sooner rather than later to bolster the line once again.
As the Jets navigate this challenging stretch, the focus will be on adapting their offensive strategies to account for the temporary absence of their veteran right tackle. With crucial games on the horizon, the team will need to rally around their new configuration and maintain the momentum they've built in the early part of the season.