The New York Jets will be without one of their key offensive linemen for the next few games as right tackle Morgan Moses deals with a knee injury. The injury occurred during a crucial second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line late in the third quarter of their Week 3 game.
Moses, who is 33 years old, sustained the injury following a collision initiated by defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. The play resulted in Moses being brought down by Uche for a sack. Despite attempting to continue, Moses was seen limping off the field before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
Impact on the Jets' Lineup
Head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to the knee injury sustained in the incident. "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. Despite the setback, Saleh provided a silver lining by confirming that Moses would not have to be placed on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him for a minimum of four games. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh added.
The Jets find themselves relying on rookie Olu Fashanu, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to step into the role of right tackle temporarily. Fashanu, who has shown promise since joining the team, will now have the opportunity to prove his mettle in regular-season play. Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith will continue to protect the quarterback's blind side from the left tackle position.
A Key Acquisition Affected
Morgan Moses was brought into the Jets' lineup this past offseason in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets acquired Moses by sending a fourth and sixth-round draft pick to Baltimore, receiving a fourth-round pick in return. Moses quickly established himself as a staple on the offensive line, starting at right tackle through the team's first three games of the regular season.
The injury to Moses certainly poses a challenge for the Jets' coaching staff, given his experience and skill set. His leadership and veteran presence on the line have been invaluable to the team's offensive unit.
Looking Ahead
Moses' absence will undoubtedly test the Jets' depth on the offensive line. Olu Fashanu’s performance will be key as the team navigates the upcoming games without one of their key protectors. It remains to be seen how the makeshift line will hold up, but the Jets' coaching staff is optimistic about their young talent stepping up.
For Morgan Moses, the focus now shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. Given the nature of the knee injury and the cautious timeline provided by Coach Saleh, there is optimism that Moses will make a return to the lineup sooner rather than later. His eventual comeback will be crucial for the Jets as they aim to bolster their protection schemes and maintain their offensive momentum.
As the Jets prepare for their next matchup, the onus will be on the entire offensive line to adapt and perform in Moses' absence. The situation underscores the unpredictable and challenging nature of an NFL season, where depth and readiness can make a significant difference in overcoming adversity.