The New York Jets are set to face a significant challenge in their upcoming games as starting right tackle Morgan Moses will be sidelined due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during the Jets' Week 3 victory over the New England Patriots, specifically late in the third quarter. The incident unfolded on a second-and-25 play at the Patriots' 46-yard line, where Moses was brought down by a sack delivered by edge rusher Josh Uche, aided by defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr.
Head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that Moses, who was seen limping and required assistance to the locker room for further evaluation, will miss a couple of games. However, Saleh was clear in his reassurance, "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve,” lending hope to fans that his absence will be relatively brief.
Impact on the Offensive Line
Morgan Moses, at 33 years old, has been a stalwart presence on the offensive line, starting at right tackle for the Jets through the first three games of the regular season. His experience and skill have contributed significantly to the line's stability. Moses was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade, which saw the Jets part with fourth and sixth-round picks while also receiving a fourth-round pick in return.
In light of Moses's injury, the Jets will turn to rookie Olu Fashanu to fill the void at the right tackle position. Fashanu was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has shown promise in his early career. As he steps into this critical role, the team will be hoping he can quickly adapt to the pressures and demands of starting in the NFL.
On the left side of the line, veteran Tyron Smith will continue to provide leadership and stability. Smith’s reliability will be crucial as the Jets navigate this challenging period without one of their key offensive linemen.
Looking Ahead
The Jets' offensive efficiency and overall team performance will be closely watched in the absence of Moses. While Olu Fashanu steps up, the coaching staff and fans alike will be eager to see how he responds to this opportunity. The injury to Moses may also prompt the team to explore adjustments in their play-calling and protection schemes to mitigate any potential vulnerabilities.
Moses's journey to the Jets has been notable. Acquired from Baltimore, he has brought a wealth of experience and has seamlessly integrated into the team's strategies. His temporary absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the optimistic timeline set by coach Robert Saleh provides some relief. "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England," Saleh reiterated, highlighting the brief nature of his expected recovery period.
Final Thoughts
As the Jets prepare for the next few games without their starting right tackle, the spotlight will be on how well they can adapt and maintain their offensive momentum. With Tyron Smith anchoring the left side and Olu Fashanu stepping into a starting role, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested. Fans will be hopeful that Moses's return will be swift and that the interim period will serve as a valuable experience for Fashanu and others who step up in his absence.