Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced left tackle Duane Brown will not play Sunday against the Ravens with a shoulder injury.
Making matters worse, Brown may land on injured reserve as a result. The severity of the injury is still to be determined. Saleh said they’ll more in the next 24 hours regarding the possibility of Brown heading to injured reserve, which would mean he would miss at least four games.
INJURY UPDATE: LT Duane Brown (shoulder) is OUT this week, per Jets. Could be headed for IR, per Saleh. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 9, 2022
So for now, it’s George Fant at left tackle and Max Mitchell at right tackle.
Saleh was very impressed with the quick development of Mitchell, the rookie fourth-round pick, who will start over veteran Conor McDermott, who re-signed with the Jets this week after missing the initial 53-man roster.
“Max is much further along then we thought he’d be,” Saleh said. “We’re very confident he’ll be able to step in and do his job.”
Robert Saleh on Max Mitchell starting at RT: "Max is much further along then we thought he'd be. We're very confident he'll be able to step in and do his job." #jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 9, 2022
Fant moves back to left tackle in what will be his second position switch in a month, with a third coming when Brown returns from injury.
Its also possible the Jets also call up one of their practice squad linemen to the active roster to give them an extra body, particularly Eric Smith at tackle. McDermott is currently the only remaining reserve tackle with Brown out.
This is certainly a tough start for the offensive line as the Jets really hoped they had their offensive tackle issue figured out with Brown after Mekhi Becton suffered a season-ending knee injury in early August. Now, they may go a few weeks with Brown as well.
All that being said, Fant had a strong season in 2021 and should be just fine protecting Joe Flacco’s blindside. Mitchell also had a solid camp but will certainly be tested against the Ravens. He’ll be one to watch. Plus, the Jets still have a good interior offensive line with Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
