Jets' Patchwork Offensive Line Delivers 'Admirable' Effort, Awaits More Changes

The New York Jets were likely hoping to get a good look at fourth-round rookie offensive tackle Carter Warren down the stretch, but a hip injury has interrupted those plans. Warren was unavailable to start at right tackle in Week 14, meaning the Jets were forced to devise their 10th different starting offensive line combination this season. 

Second-year pro Max Mitchell, who has seen time at right guard this season in addition to reps at tackle, came off the bench to fill in for Warren at right tackle. 

With backup guard Wes Schweitzer landing back on Injured Reserve prior to last Sunday's home game, the Jets signed Jake Hanson off their Practice Squad and started the former Green Bay Packers' center at right guard against the Houston Texans on December 10. Hanson became the sixth different player to earn a start at right guard for the 2023 Jets.

"They battled. They battled big time. There are always going to be things that need to be cleaned up, but overall, I thought they did an admirable job," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh about the offensive line following a 30-6 triumph over the Texans.

While it's been a revolving door on the right side, left guard Laken Tomlinson has been the one unit's one constant, as usual. He has started all 13 games and hasn't missed a start since signing with the Jets in 2022.

"I'll tell you one thing, though, we got some warriors in our room," said Tomlinson on Monday. "We got some guys coming out every week, giving us a chance to win. I truly appreciate those guys because they bust their tails."

When it comes to the man directly to Tomlinson's right, second-round rookie Joe Tippmann has settled in nicely at center after 30-year-old starter Connor McGovern suffered a season-ending injury. Tippmann was banged up in the win over Houston, but Saleh said there is no need for worry there. 

Tippmann, Tomlinson and left tackle Mekhi Becton appear locked in for the Week 15 road game against Miami, but the right side is to be determined with Warren's availability being an unknown. 

"Denver [Week 5] would be the one. That was the last time we had the same O-line," said Saleh prior to last week's game against Houston.

It's possible the streak ends in Week 15. The Jets could opt to go back to Hanson and Mitchell, leaving last week's arrangement unchanged.  

"I felt like the O-line played halfway decent, gave him [Zach Wilson] some protection," said Saleh on Monday.

The Jets (5-8) and the Miami Dolphins (9-4) meet on December 17 at 1:00 pm ET at Hard Rock Stadium.

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