Jets' Offensive Line Combination: Every Week They're Shuffling
The New York Jets must shuffle their offensive line for a sixth time when they take the field in Week 10.
Veteran Billy Turner became the fourth different player to start at right tackle for the Jets last week, but he's unavailable following finger surgery.
The opening at right tackle likely means Max Mitchell, who was the starting right guard in Week 9, will kick back outside against the Las Vegas Raiders. The second-year pro made two starts as the right tackle after Alijah Vera-Tucker was lost to a season-ending injury in Week 5.
"We’ll see on Sunday. We’ve got a good plan," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Friday after ruling Turner out.
Recently-signed Xavier Newman is a probable option to play right guard. The Jets elevated the Practice Squad player for the third week in a row. Newman unexpectedly saw snaps at both guard and center during the Jets' Week 8 win over the New York Giants.
"You got Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams standing over top of you and it’s your first game ever snapping. That is not easy, and I thought he did a really nice job," said Saleh.
Joe Tippmann will likely remain at center for a second straight week. The second-round rookie has also started four games as the right guard.
The Jets' offensive line configuration for the season opener was comprised of LT Duane Brown, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, RT Mekhi Becton.
The projected starting arrangement for Sunday night against the Raiders featured LT Becton, LG Tomlinson, C Tippmann, RG Newman, RT Mitchell. It will be the sixth different combination of starters the Jets have deployed this season.
"The individual pieces on our offensive line, love all of them. You just wish you would get some continuity, so they can play together and learn how to play off one another," said Saleh this past week in Florham Park. "We love the five that are lining up, we just need time for them to get that continuity."
When they face the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, the offensive line will have to deal with game-wrecking defense end Maxx Crosby, who ranks second amongst NFL leaders with 9.5 sacks.
"He’s like the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps on going and going and going," said Saleh. "He is absolutely relentless."
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