New York Jets dealt one other blow at offensive deal with as George Fant placed on IR with QB Zach Wilson’s return approaching

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets left deal with George Fant was positioned on injured reserve Tuesday, their third offensive deal with to land on IR since coaching camp.

The harm could not come at a worse time for the Jets, who’re hoping quarterback Zach Wilson returns to the lineup Sunday in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Wilson begins, his blindside shall be protected by a third-string left deal with, most definitely Conor McDermott, a profession backup.

Fant’s surgically repaired left knee has been bothering him since coaching camp — the process was carried out within the offseason — lastly forcing him to the sideline throughout final Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He’ll miss a minimum of 4 video games.

The Jets have endured a run of rotten luck at deal with.

In August, proper deal with Mekhi Becton went down in follow with a season-ending knee harm that required surgical procedure. They responded by signing former Professional Bowl left deal with Duane Brown to a two-year, $20 million contract, transferring Fant to proper deal with. Brown lasted seven practices and one preseason recreation earlier than a critical shoulder harm compelled him to IR.

Brown, 37, is eligible to return subsequent week, though it is hardly a assure he shall be able to play. For now, it seems to be like McDermott and rookie Max Mitchell (three begins) at left and proper deal with, respectively.

On Tuesday, the Jets added reinforcements, signing former Cincinnati Bengals first-round choose Cedric Ogbuehi from the Houston Texans’ follow squad. He was added to the Jets’ 53-man roster, that means he is likely to be their high backup on Sunday. Ogbuehi has 30 profession begins, however solely 5 over the previous 4 seasons. He has been launched by three completely different groups.

In addition they signed veteran deal with Mike Remmers to the follow squad. He has 90 profession begins, together with two final season for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. He wasn’t with a staff within the preseason.

This will not bode properly for Wilson, who missed three video games as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgical procedure. Coach Robert Saleh has mentioned he expects Wilson to be cleared by docs for Sunday’s recreation, pending a remaining analysis.

If Wilson is not cleared, the Jets will begin Joe Flacco for the fourth straight week. He is fifth in passing yardage (901), however has led the offense to solely 5 touchdowns and has been sacked 9 occasions. His lack of mobility, coupled with the offensive line points, is not a super components for the Jets (1-2).

“You are right down to your fourth and fifth guys,” Saleh mentioned of the deal with scenario. “At this level within the season, you do not anticipate that. … On the finish of the day, nobody cares. It’s a must to line up, it’s important to play soccer, it’s important to defend the quarterback.

“[Offensive coordinator Mike] LaFleur has acquired to seek out methods to guard the quarterback, no completely different than we did in opposition to Cleveland [in Week 2]. I acquired confidence within the guys that we’ll determine it out.”

Fant, who signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2020, has been one of the constant linemen, having began at each deal with spots over the previous three seasons. Within the remaining 12 months of his contract, Fant is eligible to return in Week 8.