New York Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton silenced any real injury concerns after he revealed the reason he exited the Patriots game.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—It’s not enough that the New York Jets and their fans have to worry about a plethora of injury concerns. When it deals with rookie Mekhi Becton, it sends everybody over the edge.
Becton exited his team’s 30-27 loss to the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Initially labeled a chest injury, the concern was great for the stud rookie after he didn’t resurface that night.
On Wednesday, the Louisville product silenced any real injury concerns by revealing the exact cause of his recent issues.
“I was coming off a cold, and my chest was still congested from that,” Becton told the media on a Zoom call. “It’s not a huge problem and it’s not going to cause any future problems. It was just that one time.”
Becton, 21, has played in seven of the Jets nine games this season. Two of those games saw him leave early (both primetime matchups: Denver and New England).
The kid has been one of the brightest positives in a season clouded by ugliness. Joe Douglas’s first-ever Jets draft pick helps transform a rough-looking offensive line into an above-average unit when he’s on the field.
The big guy missing significant time is a nightmare scenario for the organization.
“I definitely was nervous because I didn’t know what was going on,” Becton added. “Once I figured it out, I’m good now.”
Becton is currently the third-highest graded rookie tackle according to PFF. Currently clocking in with a 68.5 overall grade, only Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs and New England Patriots’ Michael Onwenu rank higher.
