When Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media on Friday he revealed some potentially worrisome information.
Mekhi Becton, Gang Green’s stud left tackle who is supposed to keep rookie QB Zach Wilson upright, has been present at the team’s organized activities this week but hasn’t been practicing because he’s dealing with a foot injury. A source said it was plantar fasciitis. The NFL Network first reported the nature of the injury.
“It’s nothing that needs surgery,” Saleh said, “and it’s really not that big of a deal, but as you guys all know he’s a very large human being. So, we’ve asked him to stay off his feet so we can keep him inside during practice. But he’s been in meetings, he’s been doing workouts, he’s been doing all that stuff. So, he’s fine.”
Becton, who the Jets drafted in the first round (11th overall) of the 2020 draft, sustained the injury during the first day of OTAs.
“He came out the first day and his foot started bothering him and we just took him off the field,” Saleh said.
There’s concern about Becton’s weight (listed at 364) and when Saleh was asked about the anchor of his rebuilding offensive line he explained how young players have to learn how to be a professional.
“Think about it, their body is their moneymaker. The amount of investment that you put into your body is the amount that it will give back,” Saleh said, hinting at Becton’s weight being a concern. “That’s part of the learning progression of young men, they’ve got to learn how to take care of their bodies. They’ve got to learn how to eat right, workout right, rest right, regenerate right, staying hydrated and all those different things that lead to longevity in this league.
“Mekhi is one of those, he’s a young man, he’s a very talented young man, he’s a very large young man and he’s learning every day on what it takes to be a professional. And how to make that next step. We got a lot of faith in him, he’s doing all the right things right now and we’re excited to get him to the training camp and we get to work with him.”
Sounds like Mehki won’t be practicing for the rest of OTAs and minicamp.
This is another injury for Becton who missed two full games with a shoulder injury and a significant amount of two others (ankle and chest) during his rookie season.
This explains why the Jets brought former Washington Football Team right tackle Morgan Moses in for a visit to bolster the offensive line, because if Becton ends up missing time during the season this unit will struggle.
Veteran WR Jamison Crowder hasn’t been at OTAs because of a contract dispute. He has one year left on the 3-year, $28.5 million deal that he signed in 2019 and none of the $10 million salary is guaranteed. The Jets are trying to reduce that number, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after the club drafted Elijah Moore in the second round. His current cap charge is $11.4 million, which is the third-highest on the team.
Crowder had 59 catches for 699 yards with six touchdowns in 2020. The Jets could cut him and save $10M in cap space and roll with Moore who’s the more dynamic player.
But Saleh wants Crowder to be a part of the team.
“He’s working through some stuff, a contract with Joe [Douglas] and his agent,” Saleh said. “Really confident to get Jamison here quickly and when we do he definitely has a role for this team.”