FLORHAM PARK N.J. New York Jets Left tackle George Fant Tuesday’s placement on injured reserve was their third offensive tackle since training camp.
The Jets could not have had the injury at a worse moment. They hope quarterback Zach Wilson Sunday’s match against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson will likely start if he is tackled. His blindside will be protected most likely by a third-string left tackle. Conor McDermottA career backup.
Fant’s left knee injury, which was surgically repaired in the offseason, has been bothering Fant since training camp. He was forced to leave the field during the loss to the Eagles last Sunday. Cincinnati Bengals. He will miss at most four games.
The Jets have had some bad luck at tackle.
August is right tackle Mekhi Becton He was injured in his knee during practice and had to have surgery. They signed a former Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown Fant moved to right tackle with the signing of a $20 million two-year contract. Brown was able to play in seven practices and one preseason match before suffering a shoulder injury that forced him into IR.
Brown, 37 years old, will be eligible to return next week. However it’s not certain that he’ll be available to play. McDermott, rookie Max Mitchell Three starts at each left and right tackle.
The Jets added reinforcements Tuesday by signing ex-Cincinnati Bengals first-rounder. Cedric Ogbuehi The following are the Houston Texans‘Practice squad. He was added to Jets’ 53 man roster. It is possible that he will be their primary backup on Sunday. Ogbuehi has had 30 career starts but only five in the past four seasons. He was released by three teams.
They also signed veteran tackles Mike Remmers to the practice team. He has made 90 career starts, with two seasons as a member of the practice squad. Kansas City Chiefs. He was not with a team during the preseason.
Wilson missed three games while he was recovering from an arthroscopic knee operation. This could be a problem. Robert Saleh, the coach, has stated that he expects Wilson will be cleared by doctors to play Sunday’s game pending a final assessment.
Wilson will not be cleared by the Jets. Joe Flacco For the fourth consecutive week. He is fifth in passing yards (901), but has only led the offense to five touchdowns and been sacked nine times. The Jets are not happy with his lack of mobility and the issues at the offensive line.
Saleh stated that the tackle situation was down to his fourth and fifth men. “At this point of the season, it’s impossible to anticipate that. … It doesn’t matter who cares. You need to be able to stand up, you must play football and you must protect the quarterback.
“(Offensive Coordinator Mike) LaFleur needs to find ways of protecting the quarterback, not different from what we did against Cleveland (in week 2). I have faith in the guys that it will all work out.
Fant signed as a Jets free agent in 2020. He has been one the Jets most consistent linemen. He has started at both tackle spots the past three seasons. Fant will be eligible to return in Week 8 during the last year of his contract.