Mekhi Becton Leaves Practice Early with Right Leg Injury Amid Guard Concerns
The New York Jets faced another injury challenge as starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. This incident is a significant concern, especially considering Becton's history with his right knee. Last season, he was frequently seen wearing a brace on that knee, and recently, he had been favoring the same leg during sessions.
Despite this setback, Becton remained optimistic. When asked about his condition, he simply remarked, "good." He also confirmed that he had managed to finish practice before his premature exit.
Guard Woes Continue
The injury bug hasn't spared the Jets' guards. Landon Dickerson was notably hobbling through most of the drills during the recent practice session. His troubles began after a particularly tough 1-on-1 rep with defensive lineman Milton Williams, emerging from the exchange visibly limping. Yet, in a show of resilience, Dickerson soldiered through the session despite the discomfort. This comes after Dickerson had already been sidelined earlier in training camp due to a lacerated toe.
Since recovering from the toe injury, Dickerson has not missed a single day of open practices. Furthermore, despite momentarily leaving another practice session due to a knee injury, he returned later in the same session, showcasing his commitment and tenacity.
Meanwhile, second-team guard Tyler Steen is grappling with an ankle injury. Steen aggravated this injury during the second preseason game, which has ruled him out of recent practice sessions. In his absence, Brett Toth has stepped up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities.
Key Absentees from Day 14
Day 14 of practice saw several key players missing. Notable among the absentees were guards Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, and offensive linemen Lane Johnson and Johnny Wilson. Their absence leaves a noticeable gap in both practice dynamics and line depth.
Other players missing from the practice included Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, and John Ross. These absences have raised concerns about the overall fitness and readiness of the team as the regular season approaches.
Schedule Ahead
Looking ahead, the Jets have a full practice schedule planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Both coaches and players will be hoping to see a reduced injury list and higher participation as these sessions proceed. On Monday, the team will engage in a walkthrough session aimed at strategizing and preparing for the upcoming full practice sessions.
The commitment and resilience shown by the team's guards, especially figures like Mekhi Becton and Landon Dickerson, are commendable. However, consistent injuries and absentees underscore the challenges the Jets face as they attempt to establish stability and readiness ahead of the new season.