In a significant setback for the Jets, veteran right tackle Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games following a knee injury sustained during the Week 3 victory against the New England Patriots. The injury occurred late in the third quarter, during a critical second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line, which saw Moses get caught in a collision involving defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. Uche brought Moses down for a sack, leading to the injury that now sidelines the 33-year-old lineman.
Moses was visibly limping off the field before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the extent of Moses’ injury, noting that while it’s significant enough to keep him out for a couple of games, it does not necessitate placing him 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," Saleh commented. “While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve.”
Moses' Journey from Baltimore to New York
The injury is a setback for both Moses and the Jets, who acquired the seasoned right tackle from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade. In exchange for Moses, the Jets parted with a fourth and sixth-round pick, while also receiving a fourth-round pick in return. Moses was expected to be a cornerstone of the Jets' offensive line, starting at right tackle through the first three games of the regular season, providing stability and veteran leadership to a unit that has long struggled with consistency.
A Next-Man-Up Mentality
With Moses sidelined, the Jets will turn to rookie Olu Fashanu to temporarily fill the void at right tackle. Fashanu, who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will be thrust into a starting role earlier than anticipated. This development provides a mixed blessing for the Jets, as it accelerates Fashanu's development while simultaneously posing a challenge for the young player to step up on such short notice.
On the other side of the line, Tyron Smith continues to hold down the left tackle position, ensuring some level of continuity for the Jets' offensive line. Smith's experience will be crucial in aiding Fashanu’s transition to a starting role, as well as in maintaining the overall protection schemes that will allow the Jets’ offensive unit to function effectively during Moses' absence.
Assessing the Impact
Moses' injury adds to the growing list of challenges for coach Robert Saleh and his staff. Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL, but losing a key veteran presence like Moses can have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate loss of talent on the field. The hope within the organization is that Moses can return swiftly and resume his role without losing much of his form or conditioning.
In the meantime, the Jets will need to rally around their “next-man-up” philosophy. The offensive line, a critical component of any successful football team, will require cohesion and resilience to navigate the forthcoming games without one of its anchors. The coaching staff will likely make adjustments to account for the new alignment, emphasizing teamwork and communication to mitigate the impact of Moses' absence.
The coming games will also provide a litmus test for the young core of the Jets' offensive line, particularly for Olu Fashanu. Stepping into the starting role, the rookie will have the opportunity to prove his mettle and justify his high selection in the draft. His performance could influence the team's tactical decisions and personnel management going forward, offering valuable insights into his long-term potential as a starting tackle in the league.
As the Jets prepare for their next matchups without Morgan Moses, the football world will be watching closely to see how this adjustment period unfolds. The resilience of the Jets' offensive line, the effectiveness of their coaching strategies, and the readiness of their young talent will all be tested in the coming weeks. For now, the focus remains on recovery and adaptation, with the ultimate goal of having Moses back on the field, contributing to the team’s success.