Mekhi Becton injury update: Jets former first round pick likely out for season with fracture in kneecap
The New York Jets head into 2022 with high expectations. Although Zach Wilson is going 4-13 last season into his sophomore year with a new No. 1 receiver in Elijah Moore and a highly acclaimed rookie running back at Breece Hall , optimism is brewing in the Big Apple.
However, that optimism could be tarnished after a follow-up on Tuesday for Mekhi Becton, the 2020 first-round winner, showed a fractured right kneecap, according to Ian Rapoport. Becton, who missed almost all of last season after undergoing right knee surgery in Week 1 against the Panthers, left training camp in Monday’s second practice game.
Now his 2022 season is likely over.
After head coach Robert Saleh said Becton’s knee was “stable,” the injury is reportedly “more concerning” than initially thought. per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.
according to report, Becton is under further evaluation but is likely to be out for the year.
#jets OT Mekhi Becton has suffered a fractured right kneecap, per me and @ Mike Garafolo. He’s seeing a surgeon tomorrow but is likely to be out for the year. Brutally.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022
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Jets depth chart at Right Tackle
The injury would leave a hole in proper tackle for the Jets, who were chasing Pro Bowl tackle Duane Brown. Brown’s signing would become an urgent necessity if Tuesday’s tests reveal major damage to Becton’s knee.
Whether or not Becton misses training camp time matters. He is currently transitioning from left tackle to right tackle and the Jets have raised concerns about his conditioning in the past.
The next man for the Jets would be (technically) Conor McDermott if they decide to stay indoors. McDermott started last season on injured reserve but finished the year before being re-signed in March.
| RT1 | RT2 | RT3 | RT4 |
| Mekhi Becton | Conor McDermott | Max Mitchell | Grant Hermanns |
What’s next for the Jets?
In relation to this above optimism, the 2022 Jets are launching a new look.
Between Hall and Moore on offense and Jermaine Johnson and Ahmad Gardner on defense, New York is bullish and Wilson can turn a corner this year.
While there will no doubt be some growing pains, the intensity has increased this year.
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In fact, Saleh has stopped training when the team’s intensity isn’t where it should be.
“It was just a reminder of why we do what we do and the anticipation of how we get out of the dressing room, how many games are lost just when we come out of the dressing room with that slight break. ‘ Saleh said, according to The Athletic. “I thought the guys did a great job reacting. I thought [Wednesday’s] The practice was really good apart from that one minute miss.”
Wilson has also impressed with his shots in training camp, although that should always be taken with a pinch of salt.
The loss of Becton, a previously named starter, is undoubtedly affecting the Jets’ plans, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. He had to earn his starting role against George Fant in the left tackle last year. Although Saleh has backed him this year, McDermott, Brown or whoever brings the Jets in right tackle this year should be up to the task.