Veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses is set to miss a couple of games following a knee injury sustained during the Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. The injury unfolded during a second-and-25 play from the Patriots' 46-yard line, late in the third quarter. During the play, Moses was brought down by defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche, who sacked him, resulting in the injury.
The 33-year-old Moses, who was visibly limping, exited the field and headed to the locker room for further evaluation. Despite the severity of the injury, head coach Robert Saleh provided some relief to Jets fans by confirming that Moses will not be placed on injured reserve. "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England," said Saleh. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve."
A Key Acquisition
Morgan Moses was a significant offseason acquisition for the Jets, who traded a fourth and sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the seasoned right tackle. The Jets also received a fourth-round pick as part of the deal. In his first three games of the regular season, Moses started at right tackle, providing stability and experience to the Jets' offensive line. His absence, albeit temporary, will undoubtedly be felt by the team.
Next Man Up
With Moses sidelined, the Jets will turn to rookie Olu Fashanu, who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fashanu will have big shoes to fill as he steps in to cover the right tackle position. On the left side, Tyron Smith will continue to solidify the left tackle role, a key position in protecting the quarterback's blind side.
The injury to Moses, while unfortunate, comes at a time when the Jets' coaching staff has prepared a contingency plan. The swift transition to Fashanu underscores the team's depth and readiness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. The rookie's performance in the upcoming games will be closely monitored, as his ability to protect and block will play a critical role in maintaining the momentum of the Jets' offense.
What Lies Ahead
As the Jets brace for their next couple of games without an experienced player like Moses, the collective effort of the remaining offensive line will be crucial. Saleh’s decision not to place Moses on injured reserve is a positive sign, indicating that the team expects a relatively short recovery period for the veteran player.
The team's resilience will be tested, but the integration of young talent like Fashanu into the lineup could provide a silver lining. This opportunity allows the rookie to gain invaluable in-game experience early in his career, which could benefit the Jets in the long run.
Ultimately, Morgan Moses’s temporary absence presents a challenge for the Jets, yet it also offers a glimpse into the team's depth and preparedness. As the rookie steps up and the veteran recovers, the Jets will look to navigate this hurdle with the aim of keeping their season on track.