Jets coaches told OL to stop 'complaining' before season-ending injury
The Jets offense is going to have a new look heading into the 2023 season, and one player is looking to take advantage of this opportunity. Mekhi Becton has played only one game for the Jets in the past two seasons due to injury, but with Aaron Rodgers joining the roster, the offensive lineman wants […]
The Jets offense is going to have a new look heading into the 2023 season, and one player is looking to take advantage of this opportunity.
Mekhi Becton has played only one game for the Jets in the past two seasons due to injury, but with Aaron Rodgers joining the roster, the offensive lineman wants to be a key part in protecting the quarterback.
Yet, he still harbors a few bad feelings towards the Jets coaching staff due to their lack of concern over his knee injury during training camp last year.
“I got forced to play a position I don’t play, and then I was pretty much telling them I wasn’t feeling good the whole time throughout camp, and I was told I shouldn’t be complaining,” Becton said in an interview with Newsday's Bob Glauber. “Go out there and do it. I was limping throughout the whole practice, and I just took a step and my knee buckled and I got hurt again and had to get reconstructive surgery.”
Becton was drafted by the Jets in the first round (11th overall pick) in the 2020 NFL Draft, starting in 13 games in his rookie season. Yet in September 2021, he suffered a knee injury and was carted off the field during the Jets 19-14 loss to the Panthers. It turned out to be cartilage damage which required surgery and he was only able to play in one game during that season.
During training camp for the 2022 season, Becton's knee "didn't feel right" and had to have another surgery, forcing him to miss the entire season once again.
However, Becton is looking towards the next season with open eyes, having the opportunity to work with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and the former Titans assistant and new offensive line coach Keith Carter.
"They’re OK. I mean, it is what it is," Becton said in regards to his relationship with the coaching staff. “They’ve been putting me on the depth chart as their third-string tackle because I’ve got to earn it… but I know within a week, I’m going to be starting on that left side.”
“I’m striving to be the best tackle in the league," Becton added
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
