Jets' Rookie Right Tackle Returns to Face Commanders in Week 16

Pitt product set to start for New York on December 24 following two-game absence

The New York Jets will have a chance to further evaluate fourth-round rookie Carter Warren at right tackle in Week 16.

The New Jersey-born bookend fully returned to practice this week after missing back-to-back games due to a hip injury. Warren, who began the season on Injured Reserve, will make his third start as the right tackle when the Jets host the Washington Commanders on December 24, according to head coach Robert Saleh.

"Carter Warren, he will play," said Saleh on Friday in Florham Park.

Warren's return to the lineup is good news for a Jets' offensive line that has been ravaged by injuries this season. New York has used 11 different starting O-line combinations through 14 games in 2023.

Max Mitchell, who has been dealing with a neck stinger suffered in the win over Houston, was a full participant on Friday and will be good to go against Washington. With Warren and Mitchell both unavailable in Week 15, the Jets started former Green Bay Packers Jake Hanson (RG) and Billy Turner (RT) on the right side in a 30-0 road loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The 24 year-old Warren was the No. 120 selection at the 2023 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. He saw his first NFL game action with a pair of special teams snaps against the New York Giants in Week 8. 

Warren's first reps on offense came at left tackle when starter Mekhi Becton was forced out in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. 

"Carter, I thought was a pleasant surprise going back and watching it. Tremendous footwork, great patience," said Saleh after the 32-6 loss to the Bills.

Warren has subsequently made two starts at right tackle prior to being bitten by the injury bug again. The 6-foot-5 tackle has seen 175 offensive snaps as a rookie thus far.

"Guys moving all over the line of scrimmage. Carter Warren’s going from left to right," noted Saleh earlier this month.

Including Sunday's home finale against the Commanders, the Jets will have three more in-game opportunities to decide whether Warren is a building block worthy of plugging into the 2024 lineup.

Injury Report: Jets' QB Ruled Out, Two Defensive Starters Questionable in Week 16

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