The New York Jets’ veteran left tackle is still working his way back
The New York Jets placed veteran left tackle Duane Brown on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after he reported to training camp on Saturday.
Now that Duane Brown reported for #Jets camp, he was added to the PUP list. He’s still working his way back from shoulder surgery.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) July 22, 2023
Brown suffered a torn rotator cuff in training camp last year shortly after being signed in August. Brown postponed surgery and returned after missing the first four weeks of the season, starting 12 games at left tackle for the Jets.
#Jets HC Robert Saleh called OT Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) ‘a freaking rockstar’ & said he already underwent shoulder surgery this offseason + the team really wants him back in 2023 if he doesn’t retire: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/b6JjYfjVP3
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 2, 2023
Rotator cuff surgeries typically take four to five months of recovery for NFL players, although Brown is an older player at age 37. However, the 2023 season opener will be eight months after the Jets’ last game, so Brown’s availability for the season shouldn’t be an issue. The Jets will need Brown healthy to keep Aaron Rodgers upright and they appear to be taking things slow with his return to the field.
With Brown still recovering, the Jets will get a closer look at the other four tackles vying for a starting spot. Mekhi Becton and Billy Turner have been primarily rotating at left tackle while Max Mitchell and rookie Carter Warren have been primarily rotating at right tackle. However, all four tackles have been playing each side as Robert Saleh told the media.
Becton hopes to reclaim the potential he showed as a rookie. Now weighing around 340 pounds and playing on his preferred side, he can be a potential X-factor. Meanwhile, Turner has familiarity with Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett’s system.
Mitchell started five games for the Jets in his rookie year after being selected in the fourth round out of Louisiana. He hopes to take a leap in his second season. Warren is another fourth-round pick of the Jets, coming out of Pittsburgh in this year’s draft.
