During a recent New York Jets practice session, notable incidents brought to light concerns regarding the team's offensive line. Incidents involving Mekhi Becton and Landon Dickerson underscored the physical toll this intense phase of preparation can take on the players.
Mekhi Becton’s Injury Woes
Starting right guard Mekhi Becton had to leave practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. This development is particularly concerning as Becton had previously been seen favoring the same leg in earlier sessions. Furthermore, last season, Becton wore a brace on his right knee, hinting at a potentially recurring issue.
Despite the early exit, Becton displayed resilience and determination. "I finished practice," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the team. When asked about his condition, he simply replied, "good," attempting to downplay the severity of the situation.
Landon Dickerson’s Struggle and Determination
Guard Landon Dickerson also faced challenges during the session. He was seen hobbling through most of the drills, a situation that worsened after a tough 1-on-1 rep with Milton Williams. Emerging from the drill limping, Dickerson’s condition appeared serious. However, his commitment to the game was clear as he finished the session despite the injury.
This grueling session wasn’t Dickerson’s first encounter with injury during the training camp. Earlier in the camp, a lacerated toe had sidelined him. Yet, since his return from that injury, Dickerson has not missed a single day of open practices. In this session, despite momentarily stepping out due to a knee issue, he returned later, showcasing his tenacity and dedication.
The Ankle Injury Sidelines Tyler Steen
Adding to the offensive line's concerns, second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury. Steen aggravated this injury during the second preseason game, further thinning the team's depth at the guard position. As a result, Brett Toth stepped up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities.
Absences Adding to Team’s Challenges
Several key players missed Day 14 of practice. The notable absentees were Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. These absences undoubtedly posed additional challenges for the team’s preparation and strategy sessions.
Upcoming Practice Schedule
Looking ahead, the Eagles have a demanding week scheduled with full practices on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. To ensure the players are primed and ready, a walkthrough is planned for Monday, allowing some recovery time while still keeping the team engaged and focused.
As training camp continues, the Jets will need to carefully manage their players' health to ensure they are fit and ready for the upcoming season. The commitment and resilience shown by the likes of Becton and Dickerson epitomize the spirit of the team, but maintaining their physical well-being will be crucial.