As the New York Jets wrapped up another day of practice, concerns emerged around the health of some key players, particularly their starting right guard, Mekhi Becton. Becton, who has been a crucial part of the team's offensive line, left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. This development follows a series of worrisome signs, as Becton had been observed favoring his right leg in previous sessions. Last season, Becton wore a brace on his right knee, indicating that this leg has been a recurring point of vulnerability for him.
Guard Woes Continue
The injury concerns don't end with Becton. Guard Landon Dickerson was seen hobbling through most of the drills, culminating in a limp after a tough 1-on-1 rep with Milton Williams. Despite his discomfort, Dickerson showed tremendous resilience, finishing the session even as he was encumbered by his injury.
Dickerson's participation has been notable given his recent struggles. Earlier in the training camp, he was sidelined by a lacerated toe but has managed to attend every open practice since his return. At one point, he even left practice due to a knee injury but returned later the same session, underscoring his commitment and toughness. "I finished practice," Becton was quoted as saying, and added on his condition, "good."
Second-Team Guard Challenges
The depth chart challenges extend to the second-team guards as well. Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury, an issue aggravated during the second preseason game. Steen's absence created an opportunity for Brett Toth, who stepped in to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities.
This shift could potentially impact the coherence and effectiveness of the offensive line as the Jets continue to make adjustments based on player availability. Toth's performance in Steen's stead will be closely monitored, especially considering the mounting injuries among guards.
Absentees and Impact
The list of absentees from Day 14 of practice was notably lengthy, including players such as Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. Their absences could have a varied impact on the team’s ongoing preparations as they head into critical practice sessions this week.
Training Schedule Ahead
The team’s training schedule remains rigorous, with full practices lined up for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, followed by a walkthrough on Monday. This schedule will be crucial for assessing the readiness and integration of players like Becton, Dickerson, and Steen as they recover from their respective injuries.
In summary, the New York Jets are grappling with several injury concerns, particularly among their offensive guards. The resilience shown by players like Dickerson is commendable, but the team’s coaching staff will need to continually evaluate and adapt their strategies to maintain a strong and cohesive unit as the season approaches.