Guard Troubles at Jets Camp: Injuries Plague Practice
The New York Jets' training camp hit a snag as injuries began to plague several key players, particularly along the offensive line. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton was the first to leave practice prematurely due to a right leg injury, raising concerns about his ability to perform in the upcoming season. Becton, who wore a brace on his right knee last season, had been seen favoring the same leg in previous sessions, suggesting ongoing issues with his right leg.
Becton’s early exit adds to the already mounting worries for the Jets. When approached about his condition, Becton reassured fans by stating, "I finished practice." Despite this assertion, the severity of his injury remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, guard Landon Dickerson also faced struggles, hobbling through most of the drills. His limp became more pronounced following a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams. Despite the apparent discomfort, Dickerson demonstrated his grit by finishing the session, showcasing a strong commitment to staying on the field.
Notably, Dickerson had suffered a lacerated toe earlier in training camp, causing him to miss some time. Since returning from that injury, he has consistently participated in open practices. Even a knee injury that forced him to leave practice momentarily couldn't keep him sidelined for long, as he returned later in the same session.
The situation for the Jets' second-team guard Tyler Steen isn’t much better. Steen is currently out with an ankle injury that he aggravated during the second preseason game. This has opened up opportunities for other players, and Brett Toth has stepped up to assume first-team right guard responsibilities in Steen's absence.
The injury woes aren't confined to just the guards. Thursday’s practice saw a significant number of key players missing, including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson.
As the Jets navigate these injuries, the team's practice schedule remains packed with full sessions lined up for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Monday will offer a slight reprieve with a walkthrough planned.
The series of injuries not only tests the depth of the Jets' roster but also raises questions about their preparedness as the season approaches. The resilience and response of the team during these challenging times will be critical, especially as they inch closer to competitive play. For now, the Jets and their fans will be keeping a close watch on the status of Becton, Dickerson, and Steen, hoping for a speedy recovery and a fortified offensive line.