Jets LT Tyron Smith out, to be replaced by rookie Olu Fashanu - ESPN

In what feels like a passing of the torch, New York Jets left tackle Tyron Smith — one of the NFL's most decorated linemen — was ruled out for Sunday with a neck ailment that could land him on injured reserve.

Smith, 33, will be replaced by rookie Olu Fashanu, who was drafted in the first round (11th overall) as Smith's heir apparent. Fashanu will start against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium — his NFL starting debut at left tackle, where he will protect Aaron Rodgers' blindside.

Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All Pro with the Dallas Cowboys, hadn't missed a snap until last week, but he left the game with a neck injury. He underwent an MRI exam and still is «gathering information» on his injury, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Friday.

Ulbrich said Smith «potentially» could be placed on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. If that happens, it might not be worth it for Smith to return this season, especially if the Jets (3-7) are eliminated from contention.

The Jets took a chance on Smith, signing him to a one-year, $6 million contract despite his pattern of injuries in recent years. It was an incentive-heavy contract, giving Smith a chance to earn up to $20 million, mainly through playing-time bonuses.

Smith hasn't played up to his previous standard. He has allowed six sacks in 10 games, according to Next Gen Stats. The Jets started mulling the idea of replacing him at some point. Now that he's injured, it could be moot.

Now Fashanu, their future, has the job of keeping the 40-year-old Rodgers upright.

«It's definitely a big responsibility, but I try not to think about it like that,» the former Penn State star said. «We're already in a high-pressure