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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — An MRI examination of Mekhi Becton‘s proper knee revealed a extra critical damage than initially anticipated, a supply instructed ESPN on Monday night time, elevating concern that the New York Jets‘ beginning proper deal with may very well be sidelined indefinitely.
The 2020 first-round decide injured the identical knee that required season-ending surgical procedure final September, however this was described as a “totally different” damage, the supply mentioned. Becton could have further exams Tuesday to find out a analysis, however the Jets’ concern degree was elevated after receiving the MRI outcomes. One supply mentioned the belief is that Becton, 23, will miss vital time.
A supply instructed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Mekhi Becton sustained an damage to his patella (kneecap).
Becton appeared to harm the knee in an early offensive-line drill Monday morning. He limped round, however stayed in follow. A couple of minutes later, on the second play of an 11-on-11 interval, Becton fell backward after being jolted by defensive finish John Franklin-Myers. His proper foot appeared to get caught within the grass, maybe inflicting his knee to bend awkwardly.
Becton eliminated his shoulder pads and limped instantly to the locker room with members of the coaching employees. He began carrying a knee brace final Friday, a sign that he might have began to really feel discomfort. One supply mentioned it was nothing greater than typical coaching camp soreness.
After Monday’s follow, coach Robert Saleh was cautiously optimistic, saying preliminary exams indicated no critical damage. Primarily based on what he was instructed by docs, he mentioned the knee was “steady” and the MRI was precautionary.
“As of now, it would not look like a giant deal, however — knock on wooden — hopefully that stays the case,” Saleh mentioned.
For Becton, who has a historical past of accidents and conditioning points, any time misplaced may very well be probably vital. Late Monday, the Jets signed well-traveled veteran Caleb Benenoch (23 profession begins) to a one-year contract. They continue to be focused on free agent deal with Duane Brown, a five-time Professional Bowl choice who visited with them over the weekend.
Becton injured his proper knee within the 2021 season opener and by no means performed once more, though the staff initially known as it a four- to six-week return from surgical procedure.
With Becton’s newest damage, and with backup swing deal with Conor McDermott sidelined one to 2 weeks with a sprained ankle, there’s a larger sense of urgency so as to add an skilled deal with. Beginning left deal with George Fant is also coming back from knee surgical procedure, though he’s wholesome and working towards.
Saleh downplayed the staff’s curiosity in Brown, saying they’ve “a lot nice expertise” at deal with and that Brown could be a luxurious.
“It would not create panic in my thoughts in any respect,” Saleh mentioned. “A man like Duane is a bonus.”
However that was earlier than the MRI consequence.
Becton has began solely 14 out of 33 video games in two seasons, together with six video games he did not end due to numerous accidents. His weight grew to become a serious storyline final season, when he reached about 400 kilos as he recovered from surgical procedure.
He was chubby on the June minicamp, which annoyed the group, however he skilled on the facility earlier than coaching camp and reported in acceptable form. Saleh praised Becton for powering by way of the primary 9 practices as he labored his approach again into soccer form.
Now it may very well be a problem if he has to overlook time.
“We’ll see if he does take time without work,” Saleh mentioned. “Clearly, you are involved for everybody. … You simply do not need to get right into a deficit of conditioning. He is a giant man. He is been working his tail off and he is achieved every thing he is been requested to do. Hopefully, he checks out good like we expect he’ll and he can proceed on this monitor. I believe he’ll be effective.”
By dusk, that optimism had pale.
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