The Jets are optimistic they dodged anything serious with Mekhi Becton’s latest injury, but the sight of their 360-pound offensive lineman limping off the field should set off renewed concerns about his availability this season and beyond.
Becton, the 23-year-old former 11th overall pick, injured his surgically-repaired right knee during Monday’s training camp session and didn’t return. Preliminary tests were encouraging, according to coach Robert Saleh, who said the knee is “stable” but he’s awaiting an MRI confirmation.
“As of now, it doesn’t seem like a big deal,” Saleh said. “Knock on wood. Hopefully it stays the case.”
Becton, who logged just one game last season after damaging his knee, was limping early in Monday’s session during lineman drills. He continued to practice and aggravated the injury on the outskirts of a play in the 11-on-11 session.
Becton then removed his pads and appeared agitated while limping to the locker room. Saleh said he didn’t see Becton laboring in the morning.
“I didn’t see the beginning portion of practice. I was all over the place. It was hot. It is sticky out there today. I think 90% humidity. So a lot of players were laboring earlier,” Saleh said. “I do think the entire offensive and defensive group got stronger as the day went on, which is encouraging. But that’s part of it – you’ve got to be able to push through, you’ve got to be able to test your limits and get yourself to a point where you’re preparing yourself.”
Becton’s injury reinforces the Jets’ need to sign another offensive lineman, with Pro Bowler Duane Brown as the likely candidate after visiting with brass over the weekend.
Brown, a 36-year-old free agent, secured his fifth Pro Bowl selection last season while blocking for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
OT Conor McDermott, another option to start if Becton misses time, is out 1-2 weeks with a lower sprained ankle, according to Saleh.
“Getting a guy like Duane Brown is kind of being spoiled in a sense of having so much great talent at one position,” Saleh said. “We do have faith in our backup offensive line. Anytime you get hurt, you have to test your depth. So it doesn’t create panic at all, in my mind, anyway. A guy like Duane is a bonus.”
But Brown would be just a stopgap on a rebuilding team. Becton is supposed to be future. He was Joe Douglas’ first draft pick as a Jets executive in 2020, playing well enough as a rookie at left tackle to continue the hype.
But conditioning issues and injuries sabotaged Becton’s second season, prompting the usual concerns over a massive man with knee problems. Becton started wearing a knee brace at practice last week and participated in limited snaps Saturday during the Green & White scrimmage at MetLife Stadium.
Saleh said Becton’s low snap-count wasn’t about any knee pain, but rather because they were playing on turf for the first time.
“It first time on fake stuff, we wanted to make sure we gave him just enough dosage to see how he came off and how he felt off that day,” Saleh said. “Everything checked out great.”
Two days later, Becton’s knee was no longer great. Even if the injury is not season-ending, any time off for Becton is increased by the fitness problems and need to get back in shape. Last year, for instance, Becton was supposed to be out 4-to-6 weeks but missed the final 16 games.
Saleh acknowledged he’s optimistic by nature and has reasons to feel good about the latest injury, given the preliminary tests.
“It’s football,” the coach said. “I’m not jinxing anything. In my heart, I think he’ll be just fine.”
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