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Elbow injury sidelines Jets’ first-round rookie for joint practice vs. Giants | Sporting News

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4 weeks ago

August 21, 2024

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Elbow injury sidelines Jets’ first-round rookie for joint practice vs. Giants | Sporting News

The New York Jets‘ first-round rookie offensive tackle is on the shelf for at least one day.

Olu Fashanu, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is not participating in Wednesday’s joint practice against the New York Giants. The rookie bookend is apparently dealing with a minor injury.

“Olu is dealing with a strain in his elbow. Nothing to be concerned about. We’re just holding him out,” said head coach Robert Saleh while addressing reporters prior to the 1:00 pm ET practice in Florham Park.

Drafted as a left tackle, Fashanu began working at that spot before expanding his role to include reps on the right side over the past week-plus. After earning the start on the blindside in the August 10 preseason opener, the Penn State product was the Jets’ starting right tackle on August 17 against the Carolina Panthers.

Operating as a right tackle in a game for the first time in his career, Fashanu logged 29 first-half snaps at the position. NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, a former pro O-lineman, provided a positive review of the rookie’s performance in one of his Baldy Breakdown segments.

“Never played at right tackle before in an actual game, so it felt really good just getting game reps. It’s just gonna help me in the long run for my career, just being versatile, being able to play multiple positions,” said Fashanu after the Jets’ 15-12 preseason road win.

Fashanu, who appears as the probable primary backup tackle, was a participant in Tuesday’s practice in Florham Park, so it may just be a one-day absence, but it’s definitely worth tracking moving forward.