Jets OT Olu Fashanu Heads to IR, But Avoids Surgery

The New York Jets have announced that rookie offensive tackle Olu Fashanu will be placed on injured reserve, bringing an end to his impressive first NFL season. However, the news comes with a silver lining: the standout rookie will not require surgery for his plantar fascia injury and is expected to fully recover in just a few weeks.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo shared the update, emphasizing the positive outlook:

“No surgery needed for #Jets OT Olu Fashanu. Just a few weeks to recover. Full steam ahead for 2025.”

Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich also addressed the situation, expressing optimism despite the setback:

“Yeah, Olu’s going to go to IR. Unfortunately, his season is done. He’s having a great rookie season, but at the same time, these injuries sometimes give you an opportunity to step back and really start absorbing some of the information. He was kind of thrown into the fire, and he’ll use it as an opportunity to grow. I know that.”

A Rookie Season Worth Celebrating

Despite his season ending prematurely, Fashanu has been a revelation on the Jets’ offensive line. Drafted out of Penn State, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle quickly established himself as a critical piece in the trenches. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Fashanu has excelled in pass protection, allowing just one sack all season—and none over the past six weeks.

His run-blocking has shown room for growth, and he has allowed 23 pressures on the year, but those are minor blemishes for a rookie tasked with protecting quarterbacks in the high-pressure environment of the NFL.

A Building Block for the Future

The Jets’ 2024 season may be another disappointing chapter for the franchise, but Fashanu’s performance has given fans a reason to hope. His ability to anchor the left side of the line and stymie opposing pass rushers points to a bright future, with the potential for him to become a long-term cornerstone on the offensive line.

As the Jets look toward 2025, the team and its fans can take solace in knowing that Fashanu will enter the offseason healthy and ready to build on an impressive foundation. His recovery from this injury, paired with his continued development, could play a pivotal role in the Jets’ efforts to turn things around next season.

For now, the rookie tackle’s season is over, but his journey in the NFL is just beginning—and the future looks bright for Olu Fashanu in New York.