Jets' All-Pro bookend unavailable for pivotal Week 11 home game

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The New York Jets made it a point to fortify their offensive line this past offseason, and left tackle Tyron Smith was a key part of the plan.

The eight-time Pro Bowl bookend was tabbed to stabilize what has been a troubled spot for the Jets in recent years. Unfortunately, his 33-year-old body is no longer cooperating. Smith, who has a reputation for failing to stay healthy throughout a full regular season, was forced to leave the Week 10 game due to a neck problem.

Smith was unavailable to practice all week, paving the way for first-round rookie Olu Fashanu to start on Aaron Rodgers's blindside against the Indianapolis Colts.

"Olu's done a good job at the left tackle spot so anticipate him playing for us," said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Friday in Florham Park.

Fashanu, the No. 11 overall selection, came on to replace Smith for the final 33 snaps in the November 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He has started at right tackle, and also played some right guard in a pinch, this season, but Sunday will mark his first career NFL start at his natural position.

Meanwhile, Smith was the starting left tackle for the first 10 weeks but appears in line to miss multiple games for the ninth year in a row. The grizzled veteran has missed at least three games in every season since 2015.

As far as how long Smith's absence will be, Ulbrich didn't provide a projection on Friday.

"We don't know that yet, still gathering information," said Ulbrich.

The good news for the Jets' offensive line is that starting right tackle Morgan Moses and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker have been cleared for Sunday's matchup against the Colts. Both players were limited in practice on Thursday before being upgraded to full participation on Friday.