© Brad Penner
It’s time for the New York Jets to look toward the future when it comes to the left tackle position, and injury is forcing them to do it now.
The 33-year-old Tyron Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection who signed an one-year contract this past offseason, remains on the shelf with a neck issue and did not practice this week. Potentially bound for Injured Reserve, the starting left tackle has been ruled out for the Week 13 home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Tyron Smith, he’ll be out this game,” said Jets’ interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Friday in Florham Park.
After being forced out of the Week 10 road game against the Arizona Cardinals, Smith missed the November 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts heading into the bye. Smith has been undergoing evaluations according to Ulbrich.
“Nothing as of today, actually after this I’m going to have a long talk with him just to see where he’s at,” said Ulbrich who referred to Smith as a potential IR candidate earlier this week.
In Smith’s absence, rookie Olu Fashanu started at left tackle for the first time prior to the bye week. The No. 11 overall draft pick had seen almost all of his action on the right side until he was summoned to relieve Smith mid-game on November 10.
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In its weekly team-by-team assessments, Bleacher Report urged the Jets to officially make Fashanu the starting left bookend, even when Smith becomes available again.
From NFL Team Needs (Week 13):
Move to Make Now: Name Olu Fashanu the starting left tackle
Olu Fashanu got his second consecutive start at left tackle with Tyron Smith out with a neck injury. Really, it’s best for all parties involved that this is the arrangement for the rest of the season.
It was nice that the Jets were able to ease Fashanu into the season. There was a concerted effort to build their offensive line this offseason, and it all allowed Fashanu the ability to develop as a utility lineman for the season. However, Smith shouldn’t be rushing back from a neck injury to play for a struggling team, and Fashanu needs the reps at his natural position. — Bleacher Report
More New York Jets News:
• All-Pro left tackle’s disappointing Jets tenure could end on Injured Reserve
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