New York Jets’ right tackle Morgan Moses is expected to miss a couple of games after sustaining a knee injury during the team's Week 3 game against the New England Patriots. The 33-year-old veteran was involved in a collision with defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche during a second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line.
The incident, which occurred late in the third quarter, saw Moses brought down by Uche for a sack. He was visibly limping as he was helped off the field and eventually taken to the locker room for further evaluation. The diagnosis soon revealed that the knee injury would be significant enough to sideline the long-serving tackle for a brief period.
Coach's Confirmation
Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the news shortly after, stating, "Morgan Moses will miss a couple of games due to a knee injury he suffered during the Week 3 win over New England." Saleh further assured fans that while Moses would indeed be missing some game time, the injury would not necessitate placing him on injured reserve. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," added Saleh.
The Impact of Moses' Absence
Moses' absence will undoubtedly be felt on the offensive line, where he has been a stable presence for the Jets since his acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason. He was part of a trade that saw the Jets send a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for Moses, while also receiving a fourth-round pick from the Ravens. In the first three games of the regular season, Moses started at right tackle, contributing to the Jets' offensive strategies and protecting the backfield from opposition defenses.
Next Man Up: Olu Fashanu
Stepping in to fill the void left by Moses will be rookie Olu Fashanu, who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fashanu’s readiness to take on the starting role will be put to the test, and it provides him with an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and demonstrate his capabilities on the professional stage. Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith is set to continue handling duties at the left tackle position, providing much-needed stability on the opposite end of the line.
A Challenging Transition
Injuries are an unfortunate aspect of the game, and the Jets will have to navigate the upcoming weeks without one of their key offensive linemen. The coaching staff will aim to integrate Fashanu seamlessly into their game plans while Moses works on his recovery. As Saleh's comments suggest, the team is optimistic about Moses' return in the not-too-distant future, which will be pivotal as the season progresses.
For Jets fans, Moses' resilience and experience are well-recognized, and they will be eager for his swift return to reinforce the squad. Until then, all eyes will be on Fashanu as he takes on greater responsibility and attempts to fortify the offensive line in Moses' absence.
Moses' journey with the Jets has only just begun, and this brief setback serves as another chapter in what both he and the organization hope will be a fruitful tenure. The upcoming games will be a testing ground for the Jets' adaptability and depth, with the team aiming to maintain their campaign momentum despite the injury to one of their stalwarts.