In a blow to the New York Jets' offensive line, veteran right tackle Morgan Moses will be sidelined for a couple of games due to a knee injury. The setback occurred during the Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots, a game that saw the Jets securing a win but losing a key component of their offensive front.
The incident unfolded late in the third quarter with the Jets positioned at the New England 46-yard line, facing a daunting second-and-25. During the play, Morgan Moses became entangled in a collision involving defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. The impact resulted in a sack by Uche, which brought the 33-year-old Moses down, unfortunately leading to his knee injury.
Witnesses at the game would have noticed Moses limping off the field, a sight that quickly subdued the celebratory mood of the Jets' camp. He was taken to the locker room for further evaluation, with the severity of the injury becoming increasingly apparent. Head coach Robert Saleh later confirmed that, while Moses would miss some game time, the injury was not severe enough to place 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 stated, adding, "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve."
This news comes as a setback for Moses, who has started at right tackle in each of the Jets' first three games this season. His experience and skill have been pivotal in anchoring the Jets' offensive line, especially after being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade. The deal saw the Jets parting with a fourth and sixth-round pick, while also receiving a fourth-round pick in return.
With Moses temporarily out, the team will look to rookie Olu Fashanu to fill the void. Fashanu, who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will be stepping into a critical role earlier than perhaps anticipated. This will be a significant test for the young player, who now has the opportunity to prove his worth in the high-stakes environment of the regular season. Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith will continue to secure the left tackle position, providing some stability on the other side of the line.
Despite the injury, the Jets remain focused on their broader goals for the season. Moses's absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team is determined to adapt and move forward with the resources they have. The temporary loss of their seasoned right tackle could spur a dynamic shift in their offensive line strategy, especially considering the faith they are placing in their rookie replacement. As the team braces for the upcoming games, all eyes will be on how effectively Fashanu adjusts to his new responsibilities and how the offensive line holds up against the pressures of their NFL adversaries.
As Moses begins his recovery process, the Jets organization—and their fans—are hopeful for a swift and full return to the field. With the assurance from Saleh that Moses's injury won't sideline him for an extended period, there is cautious optimism that he will be back to fortify their offensive line as they push deeper into the season. In the meantime, the resilient spirit of the Jets will be tested, and the depth of their roster will be on full display as they navigate the immediate challenges posed by this injury.