FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- In a heartbreaking turn of events for the New York Jets, left tackle Tyron Smith has been placed on injured reserve, effectively sealing his fate for the remainder of the season and potentially jeopardizing his future in the league.

As the 34-year-old prepares to celebrate his birthday on December 12th, the football world reflects on what may be the end of an illustrious career. Tyron’s last appearance on the field came during a disheartening blowout against the Arizona Cardinals on November 10, where he sustained a neck injury. While the Jets remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the injury, the decision to place Smith on IR was a foregone conclusion as the weeks progressed.

Eligible for a return in the final two games of the season, the odds are slim, especially given the Jets’ disappointing 3-8 record and the impending likelihood of being eliminated from playoff contention.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich expressed concerns about Smith's setback: “There's not enough improvement at this point... we might have to do what's best for Tyron.”

Smith, once a stalwart of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, boasts a resume that includes eight Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors.

His accolades earned him a spot on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-2010s team, solidifying his status as a strong candidate for Hall of Fame recognition once he hangs up his cleats.

Throughout his first ten games with the Jets, he took on the pivotal role of protecting the blind side of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.

However, his performance has been underwhelming, marked by an unusual number of penalties and sacks allowed, tallying six in total, according to Next Gen Stats.

Signed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the Jets were hopeful that Smith could navigate his injury woes and breathe new life into their struggling offensive line.

To fortify their gamble, they used a first-round pick on Olu Fashanu, who is poised to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium for the third game in a row.

To maintain his health, the organization had implemented a stringent maintenance program that effectively limited his practice time.

This approach initially paid off as he managed to play every snap in the first nine games. However, the unexpected neck injury during Week 10 dashed those efforts.

Financially, this injury will have repercussions.

Smith's contract was rich with playing-time incentives, potentially allowing him to earn an additional $12 million by participating in 98% of the snaps. Currently, he finds himself projected at just 64%, which translates to a mere $4.75 million bonus.

After being drafted ninth overall by the Cowboys in 2011, Smith quickly secured his place as a starter.

However, after 13 seasons, the Cowboys allowed him to test free agency without much interest due to his recent injury struggles; he missed a staggering 37 games between 2020 and 2023.

The Jets opted to take a chance on him, banking on his experience to elevate their offensive line compared to the previous left tackle, Mekhi Becton.

When asked during training camp about his desire to continue playing, Smith responded emphatically, “As long as it takes, honestly. I keep going until I can't go no more.”

Now, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder whether this injury marks the beginning of the end for a once-mighty NFL career.

Will Tyron Smith make his triumphant return, or is this the last we’ll see of him on the gridiron? Only time will tell.