The New York Jets have the ultimate Swiss Army knife on the offensive line, but the super backup won’t be available for at least the next four weeks.
The Jets announced that veteran Wes Schweitzer will be heading to injured reserve after injuring his hand in practice earlier this week. Schweitzer did not participate Thursday, Friday and Saturday as New York prepares to open the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Schweitzer signed a two-year deal with the Jets in 2023. As a backup at center and guard, he made six appearances, including two starts, last year but was hampered by injury. Schweitzer, who played all five offensive line positions during his NFL career, had two separate IR stints during his first season with New York.
Gang Green has yet to make a roster move to fill Schweitzer’s spot. For now, the likely replacement center will be Xavier Newman, though Saleh wouldn’t commit Saturday.
“We have a lot of options. Knock on wood, we have a lot of guys that took a lot of reps last year, so I’m going to save that one for game day,” Saleh said.
The Jets could opt to designate Jake Hanson as a practice squad player on game day. Hanson has experience at center from his time with the Green Bay Packers. Hanson joined the Green & White during the 2023 season and has appeared in seven games, including four starts at guard.
New York is expected to line up left guard John Simpson, center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on the interior offensive line on Sept. 8 at Santa Clara.
The Jets now have four players on IR, with Schweitzer joining defensive tackle Leki Fotu, receiver Malik Taylor and tight end Kenny Yeboah.
More New York Jets news:
• Rodgers influences offensive coordinator’s placement during Jets games
• Jets offensive coordinator explains what makes Breece Hall a rare breed
• Rodgers hopes New York Jets made right offensive moves this offseason
• Jets urged to reunite former Packers tight end with Aaron Rodgers
• Saleh takes steps to offset Jets’ schedule disadvantage
