The Jets are optimistic they dodged something severe with Mekhi Becton’s newest damage, however the sight of their 360-pound offensive lineman limping off the sector ought to set off renewed issues about his availability this season and past.
Becton, the 23-year-old former eleventh general decide, injured his surgically-repaired proper knee throughout Monday’s coaching camp session and didn’t return. Preliminary assessments have been encouraging, based on coach Robert Saleh, who mentioned the knee is “stable” however he’s awaiting an MRI affirmation.
“As of now, it doesn’t seem like a big deal,” Saleh mentioned. “Knock on wood. Hopefully it stays the case.”
Becton, who logged only one recreation final season after damaging his knee, was limping early in Monday’s session throughout lineman drills. He continued to apply and aggravated the damage on the outskirts of a play within the 11-on-11 session.
Becton then eliminated his pads and appeared agitated whereas limping to the locker room. Saleh mentioned he didn’t see Becton laboring within 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 mentioned. “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 damage reinforces the Jets’ must signal one other offensive lineman, with Pro Bowler Duane Brown because the probably candidate after visiting with brass over the weekend.
Brown, a 36-year-old free agent, secured his fifth Pro Bowl choice final season whereas blocking for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
OT Conor McDermott, another choice to start out if Becton misses time, is out 1-2 weeks with a decrease sprained ankle, based on 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 mentioned. “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 can be only a stopgap on a rebuilding crew. Becton is meant to be future. He was Joe Douglas’ first draft decide as a Jets govt in 2020, taking part in properly sufficient as a rookie at left sort out to proceed the hype.
But conditioning points and accidents sabotaged Becton’s second season, prompting the standard issues over an enormous man with knee issues. Becton began carrying a knee brace at apply final week and took part in restricted snaps Saturday throughout the Green & White scrimmage at MetLife Stadium.
Saleh mentioned Becton’s low snap-count wasn’t about any knee ache, however reasonably as a result of they have been taking part in on turf for the primary 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 mentioned. “Everything checked out great.”
Two days later, Becton’s knee was now not nice. Even if the damage shouldn’t be season-ending, any break day for Becton is elevated by the health issues and must get again in form. Last 12 months, for example, Becton was purported to be out 4-to-6 weeks however missed the ultimate 16 video games.
Saleh acknowledged he’s optimistic by nature and has causes to be ok with the most recent damage, given the preliminary assessments.
“It’s football,” the coach mentioned. “I’m not jinxing anything. In my heart, I think he’ll be just fine.”
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com