The New York Jets will be without veteran right tackle Morgan Moses for the next couple of games following a knee injury he sustained in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. The injury, which occurred late in the third quarter, has been confirmed by head coach Robert Saleh.
Details of the Incident
The injury took place during a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line. Morgan Moses, who was in the thick of the action, found himself colliding with defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. The collision led to Moses being brought down by Uche for a sack, a moment that has now put a temporary pause on his season. The 33-year-old appeared visibly hobbled, eventually limping off the field and heading to the locker room for further evaluation.
"Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England," stated head coach Robert Saleh, providing fans with a sobering update. Saleh noted, however, that the team has decided against placing Moses on injured reserve. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh added, offering a glimmer of hope as the Jets navigate this challenging stretch.
Trade and Team Contributions
Moses was acquired in the offseason from the Baltimore Ravens in a move that saw the Jets part ways with a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick. In return, they received Moses and a fourth-round pick. This acquisition was seen as a significant bolster to the Jets' offensive line, with Moses starting at right tackle through the team's first three games of the regular season. His presence provided much-needed stability and experience to a young offensive unit.
Next Man Up: Olu Fashanu
In Moses' absence, rookie Olu Fashanu, selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will step in at right tackle. The highly-touted rookie now faces the challenge of filling the sizeable shoes of Moses, hoping to make an immediate impact and keep the momentum going for the Jets. Meanwhile, Tyron Smith will continue to hold down the left tackle position, ensuring that at least one side of the offensive line remains under the stewardship of a seasoned veteran.
The injury to Moses, while unfortunate, showcases the physical toll of the sport and the inevitability of such setbacks over a grueling NFL season. For the Jets, it will be a test of depth and resilience as they navigate the upcoming games without one of their key offensive linemen. Fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to Moses' return, reassured by the fact that he will not be shelved for an extended period.
As the Jets prepare to soldier on without Moses for the immediate future, all eyes will be on Fashanu to see if he can rise to the occasion. The rookie's performance could set the tone for the remainder of the season and play a pivotal role in the Jets' pursuit of a successful campaign.