In a significant development for the New York Jets, right tackle Morgan Moses will be sidelined for a couple of games following a knee injury sustained during their Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots. The incident occurred late in the third quarter, during a second-and-25 play from the Patriots' 46-yard line.
Moses, who was involved in a collision with defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche, was brought down by Uche for a sack. The 33-year-old was seen limping immediately after the play and was eventually escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
The injury comes as a blow to the Jets' offensive line, which has been instrumental in their promising start to the season. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the severity of the situation, saying, "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England." Despite the setback, Saleh offered a glimmer of hope by adding, "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve."
Acquisition and Impact
Moses' absence is particularly significant given his recent acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets traded away a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for Moses and also received a fourth-round pick as part of the deal. From the get-go, Moses has been a stalwart at right tackle, starting all three of the Jets' games in the regular season.
At 33, Moses brought a wealth of experience and stability to the Jets' offensive line. His seasoned presence was expected to provide a solid foundation for the team’s quarterback, aiding in both pass protection and run blocking. The interim period without Moses will test the depth and resilience of the Jets' roster.
Next Man Up: Olu Fashanu
With Moses temporarily out, the Jets will turn to rookie Olu Fashanu to fill the void at right tackle. Fashanu, selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will have big shoes to fill. The team's confidence in Fashanu’s abilities will now be put to the test as he steps into a starting role much earlier than anticipated.
Fashanu's performance will be critical in maintaining the stability of the offensive line, especially with veteran left tackle Tyron Smith continuing to anchor the opposite side. Given the high stakes of the upcoming games, the rookie’s learning curve will need to be steep.
Looking Ahead
The Jets’ coaching staff will likely focus on ensuring Fashanu is well-prepared to handle the challenges that come with filling in for a player of Moses’ caliber. Additionally, the offensive playcalling may need to adapt, incorporating quicker passing options and potentially more running plays to mitigate the impact of Moses' absence.
As the team moves forward, the temporary loss of Moses will require a collective effort from the entire offensive unit. The flexibility and adaptability of the coaching staff and players will be key to navigating this challenging period. If Fashanu can rise to the occasion and the rest of the line can hold firm, the Jets might be able to weather the storm until Moses is ready to return.
For now, the Jets and their fans will be closely monitoring Moses' recovery process, eagerly awaiting his return to fortify their offensive line for the remainder of the season.