The New York Jets faced yet another setback in their tough Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots, as starting right tackle Morgan Moses exited the game with a knee injury in the third quarter.
Veteran offensive lineman Morgan Moses, who joined the Jets this offseason, went down in the final seconds of the third quarter. The injury occurred on a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line. Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. pushed Moses back, and edge rusher Josh Uche rolled into him while sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Moses suffered a left knee injury but managed to walk off the field under his own power, albeit with a noticeable limp. After briefly stopping on the sideline for an initial assessment, he walked to the locker room with a towel draped over his head.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh was quick to provide an update shortly after the game. He stated, "Moses will have his knee examined Friday to determine the severity of the injury." There is a sense of cautious optimism within the team, as reports suggested that Moses indicated the injury might not be too serious.
Seasoned at 33 years old, Moses was expected to bring stability to the Jets' offensive line this season after being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fourth and sixth-round pick, with the Jets also receiving a fourth-round selection. His presence has been solid at the right tackle position through the first three games.
Fashanu Steps In
With Moses sidelined, rookie tackle Olu Fashanu is anticipated to step into the crucial right tackle role. Drafted with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Fashanu has shown promise, but this will certainly be a test of his readiness at the professional level. The coaching staff will be meticulously preparing him for the transition, adjusting offensive strategies to accommodate his playing style.
Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith remains steadfast at the left tackle position, providing some consistency to an offense now facing further adjustments.
Physical Toll of the Game
Moses' injury is a stark reminder of the physical toll the game takes on its players. As the Jets navigate through this challenging period, the focus remains on the health and recovery of key players. The next few days are pivotal as further details on Moses' condition are awaited, and the coaching staff recalibrates the offensive line dynamics.
Despite the setback, the team is hopeful that Moses’ injury won’t keep him off the field for an extended period and that his experience and talent will soon return to fortify the Jets' offensive front.