The New York Jets are facing a series of injury concerns after key players were forced to leave practice early. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton had to prematurely exit a practice session due to a right leg injury. Becton, who wore a brace on his right knee last season, was seen favoring the same leg in previous sessions, adding to worries about his durability.
Despite the evident discomfort, Becton assured that he is ready to keep fighting. "I finished practice," Becton stated, responding with "good" when asked about his condition. While his determination is evident, the Jets' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his status to avoid any long-term setbacks.
Landon Dickerson's Resilience
Meanwhile, guard Landon Dickerson displayed significant resilience during practice. Despite hobbling through most of the drills, he remained active on the field. After a grueling 1-on-1 battle with Milton Williams, Dickerson emerged limping but persevered to complete the session. His commitment was clear as he finished every drill, despite emerging injuries.
Dickerson's toughness is not new to the team. Earlier in the training camp, he had been sidelined with a lacerated toe but returned without missing a single open practice session. In the latest setback, he momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but returned later in the same session, showcasing his dedication and tenacity once more.
Depth Concerns with Tyler Steen and Brett Toth
In another blow to the Jets' offensive line depth, second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury sustained during the second preseason game. His absence has necessitated adjustments within the team's line-up, with Brett Toth stepping up to assume first-team right guard responsibilities.
Toth's adaptability and readiness to take on a more significant role is a silver lining amid a rash of injuries that poses challenges to the Jets' preparation for the looming season. With several key players missing from Day 14 of practice, the team is striving to maintain cohesion and readiness.
Notable Absentees and Practice Schedule
In addition to Becton and Steen, several other critical players were absent during the practice session. The list of absentees included Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. This extensive list of absent players is a concern for the coaching staff as they look to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the regular season.
The Jets have a demanding week ahead with a full practice scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. To ensure the team remains in top form, they have also planned a walkthrough on Monday to allow players to recover and strategize without the intense physical demands of a full practice.
As the Jets navigate through these injury challenges, the resilience displayed by players like Becton and Dickerson will be crucial. The team's ability to adapt and manage these setbacks will play a significant role in their upcoming season's success. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that injured players receive the care they need to return to the field stronger and healthier.