Saleh Has No Words for Jets' Unimaginable Offensive Line Situation

The lack of continuity up front will continue against Texans as injuries force more movement

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Dec 8, 2023 6:20 PM EST

In this story:

Let the adjustments continue.

Last week's starting right guard has been ruled out for the New York Jets' Week 14 home game against the Houston Texans. Wes Schweitzer's absence means the Jets will deploy their 10th different starting offensive line combination of the season on December 10.

In another concerning development, rookie right tackle Carter Warren landed on the official injury report due to a hip issue and is questionable to suit up against Houston. Should Warren be able to play, the Jets can simply plug Max Mitchell in at right guard for Schweitzer. If Warren joins Schweitzer on the shelf, however, head coach Robert Saleh may have to get creative again.

"Denver would be the one. That was the last time we had the same o-line," said Saleh looking back to Week 5.

At right guard alone, the team has been forced to start six different players over the season's first 13 weeks. They've deployed five different right tackles and three different blindside protectors.

"I thought last year was the worst it’s ever been. Last year was carnage, and I don’t know if there’s another word for it," said Saleh. "Guys moving all over the line of scrimmage. Carter Warren’s going from left to right, you got [Joe]Tippmann going from guard to center. You got Iron Man on the left guard has been getting better every week with Laken [Tomlinson]."

Tomlinson has been the lone constant on the constantly shuffled offensive line. The veteran left guard has started all 12 games at the same position.

"Love the five we have lining up, think they have a chance to be pretty good," said Saleh. "Just need to get them some continuity so they can figure out how to work together and become the group that we think they can be."

The Jets (4-8) and the Texans (7-5) will kick off on Sunday at 1:00 pm ET in East Rutherford.