Overview
- Olu Fashanu, the New York Jets' rookie left tackle, has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury diagnosed as plantar fasciitis during the Week 16 loss to the Rams.
- The injury will require surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season, though reports suggest it is not career-threatening and his long-term outlook remains strong.
- Fashanu, a standout from Penn State, had started seven games this season and emerged as a key piece of the Jets' offensive line despite being thrust into action earlier than expected due to injuries to veteran players.
- Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and teammates expressed confidence in Fashanu's future, with Ulbrich calling him a '10-year starter' and praising his versatility and mental toughness.
- The Jets, already eliminated from playoff contention, will rely on Max Mitchell to fill in at left tackle for the final two games against the Bills and Dolphins.