Jets Fear Mekhi Becton Could Be Lost for “Significant Portion” of the Season
After reports earlier on Monday that the New York Jets believed Mekhi Becton’s injury wasn’t believed to be too serious, New York had to do a 180 when an MRI revealed more serious issues with Becton’s knee, and there is a fear that he could miss significant time in 2022.
According to Jets beat reporter Rich Cimini, while Becton injured the right knee, the same that was surgically repaired last season, this injury is different. Becton will undergo further test on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury.
Becton injured the knee early on Monday in an O-line drill. A few minutes later on the second play of 11-on-11 drills, Becton fell backwards after a jolt by defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Becton may have twisted his leg awkwardly leading to the injury.
An update on #Jets OT Mekhi Becton, whom the team is expecting to miss a significant portion of the 2022 season after injuring his knee cap & patella.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 9, 2022
I will be going live on Geico SportsNite after the Mets game to talk more. pic.twitter.com/Mza3aBrVZz
Without Becton the Jets are going to have to scour the waiver wire for a replacement at right tackle. The already signed Caleb Benenoch to a one-year deal, but remain interested in ex-Seahawks lineman Duane Brown. Brown, a five time Pro Bowler, is more suited at left tackle than right.
The injury is the latest blow for Becton who has started in only 14 of 33 career games. He has had a career pockmarked by injuries, and weight issues. At one point he weight over 400 lbs, and the Jets demanded that he get in better shape this season. After a challenging off-season for Becton, the Jets were pleased when he reported to training camp at the end of July in better shape and in better football spirits.
