New York Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton to undergo surgery
The New York Jets will be without the anchor of their offensive line for a few games, but it appears that they have averted major disaster.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Mekhi Becton will be out for the next 4-5 weeks after “arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies.” Becton, the Jets’ starting left tackle and top pick from 2020’s virtual draft, left Sunday’s game in Carolina after suffering a lower-body injury during third quarter action.
Mekhi Becton will be out about 4-5 weeks after arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies, source said. So, subluxation, MCL sprain, and minor surgery coming. But he’ll be back this season after a stint on IR. https://t.co/MaBXtrqSkB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2021
Rapoport previously reported that Becton “suffered a kneecap dislocation” on the Jets’ first scoring play of the afternoon. Per the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, a dislocated kneecap “normally takes about 6 weeks to heal,” although “sometimes it can take a bit longer to return to sports or other strenuous activities.”
Prior to their open date in Week 6, the Jets take on New England next Sunday at home (1 p.m. ET, CBS) before going to Denver and returning to MetLife Stadium to battle the Tennessee Titans. Their pre-bye slate concludes with a visit to London to battle the Falcons overseas on Oct. 10.
Becton becomes the fourth projected Jets starter that’s set to miss significant time due to a medical issue: defensive end Carl Lawson is done for the year while linebacker Jarrad Davis isn’t expected back before the bye week. Safety Ashtyn Davis was already missing and his replacement, Lamarcus Joyner, is reported to be undergoing season-ending surgery. Davis was recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list but was placed on injured reserve, making his earliest return date Week 4.
After the injury, Becton was replaced by George Fant at left tackle while Morgan Moses took over Fant’s regular duties on the right. Becton has surfaced on Twitter since the reported diagnosis and appears to be in good spirits.
Positive vibes only! I’ll be good!
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) September 13, 2021
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
