The New York Jets have been missing two key players on their offensive line during the offseason. Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and right tackle Morgan Moses have both been dealing with injuries. However, head coach Robert Saleh stated that both players are expected to be ready for training camp.
Vera-Tucker is currently recovering from an Achilles injury that prematurely ended his season in Week 5 last year. This injury marked the second consecutive season in which he suffered a season-ending injury in Denver during the first half of the season. Despite this setback, the Jets have shown confidence in Vera-Tucker by picking up his fifth-year option for 2025.
As for Moses, he played through most of the 2023 season despite a pectoral injury. He decided to postpone surgery until after the season. The Jets acquired Moses through a trade with the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the offseason.
After last season’s offensive line was plagued by a series of injuries, including Vera-Tucker’s, the Jets are desperately hoping for better luck this time around. In an effort to bolster their line, New York made some key moves during the offseason, signing left tackle Tyron Smith, left guard John Simpson in free agency, and drafting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round of the April draft.
Now, with both Vera-Tucker and Moses sidelined, the Jets are giving more opportunities to players like Fashanu, tackles Carter Warren and Max Mitchell, and guard Wes Schweitzer. This not only helps these players gain valuable experience but also allows the team to develop depth on the offensive line.