The New York Jets will face a challenging stretch in the coming weeks as they will be without the services of veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. Moses, who sustained a knee injury during the Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots, will miss a couple of games, according to Head Coach Robert Saleh.
Injury Details
The injury occurred during a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line, late in the third quarter. It was a tough moment for Moses, who was brought down by edge rusher Josh Uche for a sack in a collision that also involved defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. Immediately after the collision, Moses was seen limping and was later escorted to the locker room for a thorough evaluation.
"Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England," confirmed Robert Saleh. Despite the setback, Saleh assured fans that Moses's condition does not warrant placement on injured reserve. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh stated, providing a sigh of relief to a team already dealing with multiple injuries.
A Key Acquisition Sidelined
The 33-year-old lineman was brought to the Jets in an offseason trade from the Baltimore Ravens, in which the Jets sent a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore and received Moses and a fourth-round pick in return. Moses quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the offensive line, starting at right tackle in the first three games of the regular season and providing stability with his experience and physical prowess.
Next Man Up: Olu Fashanu
In the wake of Moses's injury, 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 right tackle spot temporarily. Fashanu has received praise for his potential and work ethic, and this opportunity could serve as a significant early test in his NFL career. Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith will continue to anchor the left tackle position.
The absence of Moses will be keenly felt, especially given the importance of maintaining a strong offensive line to protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running game. Moses's experience and leadership will undoubtedly be missed on and off the field, but the coaching staff remains optimistic about Fashanu's ability to step up during this crucial period.
Implications for the Jets
Moses's injury comes at a time when the Jets are eager to build on the momentum of their recent performances. While the team has displayed resilience, the loss of a key player like Moses is always challenging. The offensive line's ability to adapt and maintain its performance will be crucial in the coming weeks as they face tough competition.
The Jets' coaching staff, led by Saleh, will need to make strategic adjustments and ensure that the rest of the line is ready to support Fashanu in his extended playing time. The rookie's performance will be closely watched, as it could set the tone for how the team navigates this period without one of their veteran leaders.
For Jets fans, the hope is that Moses's injury will be a temporary setback and that he will return to the lineup stronger than ever. Until then, all eyes will be on Fashanu and the rest of the offensive line to uphold the standard set by their experienced predecessor.
As the Jets continue to push forward, the resilience and depth of their roster will be tested. The coming games will provide a clear picture of the team's adaptability and determination as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive.