Starting right guard Mekhi Becton, a vital cog in the New York Jets' offensive line, left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury, an issue that has been haunting him. Last season, Becton already wore a brace on his right knee, and the same leg has been giving him trouble in recent sessions.
Adding to the Jets' worries, Becton shared post-practice, "I finished practice," and responded with a reassuring "good" when asked about his condition. However, the sight of him favoring his leg raises questions about his availability and readiness as the team inches closer to the regular season.
Continuing Health Challenges for Dickerson
Meanwhile, guard Landon Dickerson also made headlines during the session. Dickerson appeared to be hobbling through most drills. After a particularly tough one-on-one rep against Milton Williams, Dickerson emerged limping. Despite the apparent discomfort, he pushed through and completed the session. This grit is notable, especially considering that Dickerson had been sidelined earlier in the training camp due to a lacerated toe.
Since returning from the toe injury, Dickerson has been a model of perseverance, not missing a single day of open practices. During this session, he had a brief scare when a knee injury forced him to momentarily leave practice, but he soon returned to the field, showing commendable resilience and determination.
Additional Injuries and Stepping Up
The injury woes don't end with Becton and Dickerson. Second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently nursing an ankle injury. Unfortunately, Steen aggravated this injury during the second preseason game, further sidelining him.
With Steen out, Brett Toth has stepped up, assuming first-team right guard responsibilities. This shift comes at a crucial time as the team deals with multiple absentees from practice. Day 14 saw a notable list of 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.
Looking Ahead
The heavy toll on the roster due to injuries poses a significant challenge for the coaching staff. The Eagles are scheduled for full practices on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. The upcoming sessions will be critical for assessing the team's depth and readiness for the season ahead.
As the regular season looms, the health and availability of key players like Becton, Dickerson, and Steen are top-of-mind for coaches and fans alike. Their ability to return to full strength will undoubtedly influence the team's performance and prospects. For now, the resolve and adaptability of the players stepping in and stepping up remain pivotal to navigating this challenging period.