The New York Jets and their fans may have found cause for concern as starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. The injury recalls troubling memories, as Becton wore a brace on his right knee throughout the last season, suggesting this might be part of a recurring issue.
Reports indicate that Becton had been favoring the same leg during previous sessions, already raising some alarm bells about his fitness. However, in a brief exchange after practice, Becton stated, "I finished practice," and when asked about his condition, he succinctly replied, "Good."
Dickerson's Grit and Determination
The injury woes extend beyond Becton, as guard Landon Dickerson was visibly hobbling through most of the drills. Dickerson’s struggle became particularly evident after a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams, emerging from the encounter limping. Nonetheless, displaying true grit, Dickerson continued to finish the session despite the injury.
Earlier in the training camp, Dickerson had been sidelined by a lacerated toe but has impressively not missed a single day of open practices since his return. His resilience was once again underlined when he momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but returned later in the same session, showcasing exceptional dedication and toughness.
The Plight of Tyler Steen
Adding to the team's injury concerns, second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury. Steen’s injury woes amplified when he aggravated the ankle during the second preseason game, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. In his absence, Brett Toth has stepped up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities, striving to fill the significant void left by Steen.
Absent Faces on Practice Day
The Jets suffered a number of key absences on Day 14 of practice, with notable missing players including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. Each absence compounds the pressures on the coaching staff as they navigate these challenges just ahead of the regular season.
As the team forges ahead, the Eagles are scheduled for full practices on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. The meticulous planning aims to optimize the players’ recovery time while sharpening their skills for the forthcoming games.
With the team deploying strategic measures, the coaching staff continues to monitor and manage the injuries. The rest of the preseason will likely serve as a litmus test for how well the team can adapt and cope with these setbacks.