Morgan Moses, the 33-year-old right tackle for the New York Jets, is set to miss a couple of games following a knee injury sustained in the recent victory over the New England Patriots. The injury occurred during a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line, late in the third quarter of the Week 3 matchup.
The unfortunate incident involved a collision with defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche. It was during this high-intensity play that Uche brought Moses down for a sack, leading to the injury. Following the hit, Moses was visibly limping and had to be escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh provided an update on the situation, stating, "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 added that Moses will not be placed on injured reserve, indicating optimism for a relatively quick recovery. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh confirmed.
The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for the Jets. Moses, who was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade that saw the Jets part with a fourth and sixth-round pick, has been a solid presence at right tackle through the team's first three games of the regular season. The transaction also saw the Jets gain a fourth-round pick from Baltimore.
Stepping into Moses' shoes will be rookie Olu Fashanu. Selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Fashanu now faces the daunting task of protecting the right edge of the offensive line. Meanwhile, Tyron Smith will continue to hold down the left tackle position, ensuring at least one side of the line remains anchored by experience.
Moses' absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially given his performance thus far in the season. The Jets' offensive line will need to adjust quickly to maintain their momentum. With the team having started the season on a positive note, the seamless integration of Fashanu will be critical in ensuring the line's cohesion and effectiveness.
Jets fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Moses, whose veteran presence and skill set are invaluable to the team's offensive efficacy. In the high-stakes environment of the NFL, every game without a key player like Moses is significant. However, the team's decision not to place him on injured reserve is a beacon of hope that his absence will be brief.
As the Jets prepare for the upcoming games without Moses, all eyes will be on Fashanu to see how the young tackle adapts to the rigors of professional football. His development and performance could play a pivotal role in how the Jets navigate this challenging period.
While fans hold their breath, the coaching staff, led by Robert Saleh, will be working tirelessly to ensure the team remains competitive. The Jets' depth and resilience will be tested, but the spirit of the team has them well-poised to tackle this adversity head-on.