FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton left practice early Monday after appearing to injure his surgically repaired right knee. Becton, entering his third NFL season, was being evaluated and the team was awaiting MRI results.
The 6-foot-7 lineman was run-blocking at right tackle on the second play of team drills when he went down on the grass and immediately grabbed at his right knee. The 2020 first-round draft pick was down for a few moments before trying to get up and needed assistance from trainers to walk off the field.
He took off his pads and eventually walked very gingerly to the locker room with a noticeable limp.
“The only thing I got is that it’s stable and it seems fine,” coach Robert Saleh said. “That’s preliminary, obviously. We’re just going to get it checked for precautionary reasons. But as of now, it doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal, but knock on wood, hopefully that stays the case.”
If Becton is forced to miss any significant time, it would be a major setback for a player in the middle of adjusting to a position change. Becton entered his first two NFL seasons as the starter on the left side, but suffered a dislocated right kneecap and cartilage damage in the opening game last year at Carolina. He missed the rest of the season and was replaced by George Fant, who slid over from right tackle and played well in Becton’s place.
Entering training camp, Saleh announced Fant would retain the starting spot at left tackle and Becton would move to the right side.