Robert Saleh reveals IR decision for Jets' starting right tackle

Anthony Fama

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Robert Saleh reveals IR decision for Jets' starting right tackle image

The vibes are as good as they've been in a long time for the New York Jets, and they just got better.

A scary moment presented itself during the 24-3 win over the New England Patriots last Thursday when veteran offensive lineman Morgan Moses was carted off the field with a knee injury. What seemed like a tragic injury has now fortunately turned into a short-term issue for Moses.

"Morgan, he's gonna be a couple games, but obviously not enough to put him on IR," said fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday in Florham Park. "He's just dealing with a knee."

This is huge news for the Jets as Moses has been a staple for a Jets offensive line that is one of the best in the NFL at the moment. An injury to a lineman this early isn't ideal, but the Jets have positioned themselves with depth, especially at the tackle spot.

Saleh will now look to the rookie first-round pick Olu Fashanu to take the reins in Moses's absence.

Fashanu filled in for Moses on the right side in the second half after his injury and held his own. He'd practiced a bunch during training camp on the right side even though he spent the entirety of his collegiate career at Penn State as a left tackle. His play throughout training camp and Thursday night's game has even caught the eye of QB Aaron Rodgers who gave the young tackle high praise.

A comparison to a Jets' great such as D'Brickashaw Ferguson may be too early, but the fact Fashanu has a future Hall-of-Famer heaping that much praise upon him is already telling. Saleh also spoke about his confidence in Fashanu going forward saying "he's been getting a lot of reps... we got a lot of faith in Olu to go out and execute."

Fashanu only played 14 snaps in Thursday's game but will be the anchor on the right side for at least the next few games. Rodgers and Saleh portraying their confidence in such a young player at a vital position has to be great and the more game time Fashanu sees the better.

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Anthony Fama

Anthony Fama Photo

Anthony Fama covers the New York Jets for The Sporting News. He is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, where he covered Terrapins football and basketball for Inside the Black and Gold. He also produces and hosts his own talk show on Spotify called 914 Sports Talk covering all New York sports.