Jets lose versatile offensive lineman to Injured Reserve, roster move awaits

The New York Jets have the ultimate Swiss Army knife on the offensive line, but the super substitute won't be available for at least the next four weeks.

The Jets announced that veteran hog mollie Wes Schweitzer is heading to Injured Reserve after injuring his hand in practice earlier this week. Schweitzer was a non-participant on Thursday , Friday and Saturday as New York prepares to kick off the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

Schweitzer signed a two-year contract with the Jets in 2023. As a second-stringer at both center and guard, he made six appearances, including two starts, last year, but was hampered by injury. Schweitzer, who has taken snaps at all five offensive line positions during his NFL tenure, served two separate IR stints during his first season with New York.

Gang Green has yet to make a corresponding roster move to fill Schweitzer's spot. For now, the backup center will likely be Xavier Newman although Saleh was non-committal on Saturday.

"We have a lot of options. Knock on wood, we've got plenty of guys who took a lot of reps last year, so I'll keep that one until gameday," said Saleh.

The Jets may opt to designate Jake Hanson as a Practice Squad gameday elevation. Hanson has game experience at center from his time with the Green Bay Packers. Hanson joined the Green & White during the 2023 season and proceeded to appear in seven games including four starts at guard.

New York is expected to start left guard John Simpson, center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker across the offensive line interior on September 8 in Santa Clara.

The Jets now have four players on IR with Schweitzer joining defensive tackle Leki Fotu, wide receiver Malik Taylor and tight end Kenny Yeboah.

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