Morgan Moses will be sidelined for a couple of games following a knee injury sustained during the Week 3 game against the New England Patriots. This injury, which Mars the Jets’ victory, came during a critical second-and-25 play from the New England 46-yard line. The collision occurred late in the third quarter, when defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Josh Uche brought Moses down for a sack, delivering a significant blow to the Jets' offensive line.
Witnesses to the unfortunate incident could see a visibly struggling Moses limping off the field, eventually needing assistance to the locker room for further evaluation. Head coach Robert Saleh later confirmed that Moses, at 33 years old, will indeed miss a couple of games due to the knee injury. However, Saleh made it clear that Moses's condition doesn’t warrant placement on injured reserve. "While he'll miss time, Moses won't be out long enough to put him on injured reserve," Saleh reassured fans and analysts alike.
This setback comes after a recent acquisition of Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade, highlighting his essential role in the team. The Jets sent a fourth and sixth-round pick to Baltimore to secure Moses, and they also received a fourth-round pick in return. Showing his versatility and reliability, Moses had started at right tackle through the Jets' first three games of the regular season.
With Moses out, the team is now looking at Olu Fashanu, a promising rookie who was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fashanu is expected to fill the gap temporarily at right tackle, a position where the depth will be tested. Meanwhile, veteran Tyron Smith will continue to secure the left tackle position, another critical part of the Jets' offensive line.
This injury brings a reminder of the physical toll the game takes on seasoned players. At 33, Moses has been a stalwart on the offensive line, bringing experience and skill to the team. His role is not merely limited to the game day but extends to mentoring younger players and stabilizing the offensive line dynamics.
The Jets will need to adapt quickly, ensuring that their offensive strategy can withstand the temporary loss of a key player. Coach Saleh's decision not to place Moses on injured reserve indicates optimism about a quicker recovery, ensuring that Moses could be back on the field sooner than later.
As the Jets gear up for their upcoming games without Moses, the focus will shift to Fashanu's ability to rise to the occasion. The rookie’s adaptation and performance under pressure will be pivotal in maintaining the offensive line's integrity and providing their quarterback the necessary protection.
Regardless of this setback, the team’s resilience and strategic depth will be put to the test. The hope is that Morgan Moses’s rest and rehabilitation will be swift and effective, allowing him to return and fortify the Jets’ line for the remainder of the season. The combined efforts of both seasoned players and new talent will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.