NY Jets: OL depth is an issue following Alex Lewis retirement

The NY Jets' offensive line depth took another hit on Wednesday when it was reported that guard Alex Lewis would be retiring from the NFL.

As first reported by ESPN's Rich Cimini, Lewis, who was placed on the reserve/left squad list last week, has decided to retire after five years in the NFL.

Lewis last practiced on August 5th when he exited practice early with a head injury. Just a few days later, the Jets placed him on the reserve/left squad list effectively ending his season.

Lewis could theoretically return in 2022, but as Cimini noted, "it remains to be seen whether he has any desire to play again."

Head coach Robert Saleh spoke about Lewis' absence earlier this month when he detailed that the veteran guard was dealing with things more important than football.

"He's going through some things which are much greater than football right now. We're just giving him a chance to kind of sort through it all."

- Robert Saleh, on Alex Lewis

A fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Lewis started 18 games over three years with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the Jets ahead of the 2019 season.

In two seasons with the Jets, Lewis started 21 of 24 games serving as the team's primary left guard. He retires with 39 career starts in 44 games.

The NY Jets' offensive line depth takes a hit with Alex Lewis' absence

The Jets' interior offensive line depth has taken a few hits in recent days. Second-year guard Cameron Clark suffered a serious spinal injury earlier this month and was placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday, officially ending his season.

Now with Lewis out of the picture, the Jets' guard depth is looking rather thin.

Alijah Vera-Tucker and Greg Van Roten are the projected starters while free-agent signing Dan Feeney is a presumed roster lock. Behind them, however, things get a little more interesting.

The Jets added Corey Levin in the offseason and his versatility could give him the edge. There are also undrafted rookies Tristen Hoge and David Moore who could push for a roster spot.

Either way, the losses of Clark and Lewis certainly hurt what looked to be one of the deeper positions on the roster going into the summer.

We here at The Jet Press send our best to Alex Lewis and his family.