The New York Jets are set to play their next few games without the services of veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses. The 33-year-old sustained a knee injury during a pivotal Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots and will be sidelined for a couple of games, according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Devastating Collision
The unfortunate incident occurred late in the third quarter on a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line. Moses found himself on the receiving end of a brutal collision involving Patriots' defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. It was Uche who eventually brought Moses down for a sack, causing the injury that forced the experienced tackle to limp off the field and into the locker room for further evaluation.
A Tactical Blow
Morgan Moses, who joined the Jets from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade, had been a consistent presence at the right tackle position through the team’s first three games of the regular season. The Jets acquired Moses by sending a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore, receiving a fourth-round pick in return. His absence marks a significant tactical setback for a team aiming to solidify its offense early in the season.
Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Moses’s status, stating, "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England." However, Saleh provided a silver lining by adding, "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve."
Next Man Up
In Moses’s absence, 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. The young prospect has shown promise but will now be thrust into a critical role much earlier than anticipated. Tyron Smith will continue to maintain his position at the left tackle, providing some continuity to an offensive line that will need to quickly adapt to this sudden change.
Final Thoughts
The Jets will have to navigate the upcoming games without one of their key offseason acquisitions. The injury to Moses not only disrupts the offensive line dynamics but also tests the depth and flexibility of the squad. While the team and fans can take solace in knowing that Moses’s injury is not severe enough to place him on injured reserve, his experience and skill will undoubtedly be missed.
As the season progresses, the ability of the Jets' offensive line to adjust and the performance of replacement players like Fashanu will be critical in determining the team’s success. Morgan Moses’s recovery will be followed closely, with everyone hoping for his swift and full return to the lineup.