New York Jets starting offensive line still waiting on important final piece

The New York Jets ' overhauled offensive line is still missing one starter.

Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has already joined team practice drills as he battles back from a torn Achilles. Free-agent additions Tyron Smith and John Simpson have been plugged into the left side at tackle and guard, respectively. Meanwhile, center Joe Tippmann is back for his second season as a starter.

Right tackle Morgan Moses, however, is still on the mend, but it reportedly won't be long before his participation increases to a normal level.

"I know I keep saying close," said Jets head coach Robert Saleh after Practice No. 6 in Florham Park. "Although, it was only a couple days ago, it feels like three weeks ago, but he should be back with the team here in the next couple of days."

Moses, who spent the last two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after starting for Gang Green in 2021, returned to New York via trade this past March. He is recovering from offseason surgery on a torn pectoral muscle.

Although the 33-year-old Moses has a proven track record that includes 144 regular season starts, the Jets need to acclimate him amongst their newly-assembled starting front five.

"We'd like that to happen as soon as we can," said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on Tuesday. "The more we can have that consistency together is always good, but you never can sit there and say that during the season it's going to stay that way."

Getting Moses in sync with his teammates is the next step for the unit responsible for protecting future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The right tackle was limited again during Wednesday's practice and the Jets are scheduled for an off-day Thursday.