Jets Rumors: Mekhi Becton’s Knee Injury ‘More Concerning’ Than NYJ Initially Believed | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

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New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton missed all but one game last year, and it seems like he suffered another setback.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Monday that Becton suffered a knee injury in practice that is “more concerning” than the team initially believed. Garafolo noted Becton is set for more medical appointments Tuesday and that the injury is unrelated to the sprained MCL he suffered in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

After Becton went down on the second play of practice, Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters the injury “doesn’t seem like a big deal.” Connor Hughes of SNY reported Saleh was told by doctors that Becton did not suffer structural damage but that a later MRI “was worse than doctors feared.”

The 11th pick in 2020, Becton has not been the franchise left tackle New York had been hoping for. The 23-year-old has appeared in a total of 15 games over his first two years, but he’s completed only eight of them. In addition to his injury history, Becton has also struggled with weight issues.

The Jets moved Becton to right tackle during this year’s training camp, handing the left tackle job to veteran George Fant after he filled in admirably at the position in Becton’s absence last season. New York’s offensive line depth has been a point of concern this offseason, and this new injury to Becton makes matters worse.

In an effort to address the lack of depth, the Jets reportedly signed veteran offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch, who has appeared in 36 games with 23 starts in five years. New York also hosted five-time Pro Bowl tackle Duane Brown this past weekend during the team’s Green & White scrimmage. In the wake of Becton’s injury, the price to sign Brown likely just went up, so New York should not hesitate to add the 36-year-old sooner rather than later.