NY Jets news: Tyron Smith retirement, Jets OL returns from injury, Kene Nwangwu

NY Jets left tackle Tyron Smith will go down as one of the greatest offensive linemen of his generation and is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. Unfortunately, his brief Jets tenure likely won't be remembered fondly.

The Jets officially placed Smith on the injured reserve with a neck injury on Saturday, sidelining him for a minimum of four weeks and, in all likelihood, ending his season. It's hard to envision a scenario in which Smith takes the field for the Jets again this season or in the future.

Smith will miss out on over $8 million in playing time incentives after appearing in just 10 games this season. The Jets are expected to roll with rookie Olu Fashanu at left tackle for the remainder of the season.

While it's unclear what the future holds for Smith at this time, there has been widespread speculation that the six-time Pro Bowler is headed for retirement. This could mark the end of Smith's illustrious 14-year NFL career.

Other NY Jets news:

Xavier Newman activated off IR

The Jets activated offensive lineman Xavier Newman off the injured reserve in a corresponding move after placing Smith on IR. Newman spent the last four weeks on the IR after suffering a scary neck injury in the team's Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The former undrafted free agent entered that game in place of Alijah Vera-Tucker, who had suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter. Newman was knocked off his feet by Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen on an interception return and left the field on a spine board.

Reports shortly after the game revealed that Newman had full movement in his extremities and he was even able to fly home with the team to New York. Now, a little over a month later, Newman is miraculously back on the 53-man roster.

Newman joins Max Mitchell, Carter Warren, and Connor McGovern as backup offensive linemen on the active roster.

Jets elevate Kene Nwangwu from practice squad

The Jets made the surprising decision to elevate running back Kene Nwangwu from their practice squad on Saturday. Nwangwu is expected to appear in his first game for the Jets in today's game.

A fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft, Nwangwu spent the first three years of his career in Minnesota, predominately making an impact on special teams. He was named second-team All-Pro as a kick returner in 2022.

Jets running back Breece Hall is listed as questionable with a knee injury, but Nwangwu's elevation might have more to do with special teams and the return game. Hall is expected to play barring any unexpected setbacks. Nwangwu and Hall were actually teammates for two years at Iowa State.

There's a higher likelihood of Nwangwu replacing Xavier Gipson or Isaiah Davis (who could be a healthy scratch) in the return game than Hall being left inactive.