An MRI examination has revealed that New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton suffered a more serious knee injury than previously anticipated. With that condition, Becton is predicted to miss NFL games indefinitely. Sources told to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Becton first sustained the injury in training camp.
Robert Saleh says the reason he is remaining optimistic about Mekhi Becton’s knee is because the preliminary tests indicate the knee is “stable.”
They still need to see MRI to then determine extent of injury + recovery (days, weeks, months) #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 8, 2022
On Monday, Becton was spotted leaving the training before anyone else. At that time, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said he was optimistic about Becton’s condition. It was reported that Jets medical doctors had confirmed to Saleh that Becton’s knee was in good condition.
“As of now, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but knock on wood hopefully that stays the case,” Saleh said.
Becton’s injury chronology
Becton reportedly hurt his knee when he was involved in an offensive drill with the team. According to sources, Becton limped around but insisted to stay on the court. Then, he fell backward after being bodied by John Franklin-Myers on an 11-on-11 drill.
Becton had been fussing with his knee earlier during OL drills. Didn’t seem right, limping through light drills. Put on a brace last Friday. Now he’s in the locker room. https://t.co/dctQ20y5js
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 8, 2022
Becton got on his right foot unbalanced, fell onto the court, and then grimaced and removed his shoulder pads. Before the incident, Becton showed up in training wearing a knee brace on Friday, an indication of discomfort felt by the 23-year-old footballer.
In the last season opener against the Carolina Panthers, Becton suffered a dislocated right patella muscle. Fowler was told that Becton injured different parts of the same knee. It was said that Becton needed the same surgery.
With the MRI results, the Jets board put Becton on the injured list. Becton will have additional tests to further diagnose his injury.
Head coach’s reaction
Statistically, Becton has started only 14 out of 33 games in two seasons with the Jets. He could not manage to play until the end of the fourth quarter in six games within the season due to various injuries. Also, Becton became overweight as he reached about 400 pounds.
In June, Becton trained himself to reduce his weight at the Jets facility before the NFL training camp. The Jets were reportedly frustrated because of Becton’s weight, but Saleh said that he was in good condition after the efforts. He said that he was impressed with how Becton progressed for the next season.
“We’ll see if he does take time off,” Saleh said. “Obviously, you’re concerned for everyone. … You just don’t want to get into a deficit of conditioning. He’s a big man. He’s been working his tail off, and he’s done everything he’s been asked to do. Hopefully, he checks out well like we think he’s going to and he can continue on this track. I think he’s going to be fine.”
The injured Becton was a blow for the Jets, but Saleh said that the team would replace Becton with fellow offensive tackle Duane Brown.
“It doesn’t create panic in my mind at all,” Saleh said. “A guy like Duane is a bonus.”
On Friday, August 12, the Jets will start their NFL preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.