The New York Jets signed Tyron Smith to a 1-year, $6.5 million contract worth up to $20 million in incentives, hoping to improve an offensive line unit that has struggled over the past few years, provide veteran leadership and stability to the line, and serve as Aaron Rodgers’ blindside protector. Throughout the first ten games in his first season in New York, the future Hall of Famer has been a shell of his former self and not the same player he once was. PFF has him allowing 22 pressures, 13 hurries, four QB hits, and five sacks.
The New York Jets HOF LT suffered a significant injury in Week 10
After playing the first 25 (43%) offensive snaps of their Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Tyron Smith exited the game with an apparent neck injury. Smith did not play for the remainder of the game as rookie first-round pick Olu Fashanu would replace him at left tackle.
Since then, Smith did not participate during Week 11’s practice and did not play in their Week 11 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets had a BYE last week, and they play against the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow at home. Once again, he did not practice this week, and the team ruled him out on Friday.
He will miss an extended period if not more
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN NFL Nation, the New York Jets have placed Tyron Smith on injured reserve. As Cimini points out, Smith’s neck injury could sideline him for at least the next four games and quite possibly the remainder of the 2024 season. Finally, this could very well be the end of his great NFL career as we once knew it.
The Jets have placed former All-Pro LT Tyron Smith (neck) on injured reserve, per NFL transaction wire. It likely ends his season. For Smith, who turns 34 on Dec. 12, this could be the end of a great career. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 30, 2024
Who replaces him in the starting lineup?
Olu Fashanu will replace Tyron Smith as the starting left tackle and Aaron Rodgers’ blindside protector for the next four games or the remainder of his rookie season. So far, Fashanu has started two games at right tackle (Week 4 and 5) and one at left tackle (Week 11). The 11th overall pick will continue to audition for the starting left tackle of the future job, as it’s his job to lose.
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