Joe Tippmann is quickly rising up the New York Jets’ depth chart
Breece Hall’s return to practice was the biggest news to come out of Florham Park on Tuesday, but there was another big piece of news on the offensive side of the ball.
Rookie center Joe Tippman is getting reps with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets‘ first-team offense. It’s the first time all camp Tippmann has worked with the unit. Tippmann replaces Connor McGovern, who is working with the second-team offense today.
No Alijah Vera-Tucker at practice today. Also, rookie Joe Tippmann (not Connor McGovern) working at center with Aaron Rodgers. #Jets
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 15, 2023
McGovern is practicing today, just not with the starters. I do not see AVT out here. https://t.co/nby54eBmTJ
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) August 15, 2023
Mekhi Becton is also getting a look with the first team. With Alijah Vera-Tucker sidelined due to an ankle injury that has him day-to-day, the Jets’ first-team offensive line on Tuesday included Becton, Laken Tomlinson, Tippmann, Wes Schweitzer, and Billy Turner.
#Jets OL in front of Aaron Rodgers in team drills
Mekhi Becton
Laken Tomlinson
Joe Tippmann
Wes Schweitzer
Billy Turner— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 15, 2023
Tippmann began camp working with the third-team offense. But he’s used the preseason to improve his stock in the eyes of the coaching staff. Given a boatload of snaps across both games, Tippmann has maximized the opportunities presented to him.
In the Hall of Fame Game, Tippmann led the Jets with 43 offensive snaps (92%) and shined in both phases.
I thought Joe Tippmann looked outstanding in both phases#Jets pic.twitter.com/aOIRJBwIhw
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 4, 2023
Against Carolina, Tippmann again led the Jets with 51 offensive snaps (75%) and had another performance filled with bright flashes.
Another game loaded with flashes for Joe Tippmann#Jets pic.twitter.com/7bbfG6LCCK
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 13, 2023
Whether Tippmann actually unseats McGovern as the starting center remains to be seen, but his odds of doing so appear to be increasing. Even if he does not end up starting, the quick progress from New York’s second-round pick is a promising sign for the offensive line’s future.
After practice, Saleh said Tippmann and McGovern would rotate with the first-team offense going forward.
Robert Saleh said that Connor McGovern and Joe Tippmann will switch off days with the first team at center going forward. #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 15, 2023
The Jets continue to shuffle players around in search of the offensive line’s best starting five. Outside of Tomlinson at left guard, nothing seems set in stone. Even Vera-Tucker’s spot at right guard no longer seems like a certainty, as Saleh recently left open the possibility of moving Vera-Tucker to right tackle.
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Very impressed by Tippman and I think he has earned the opportunity to work with the Starting team. I would like the best 5 to be Brown, Tomlinson, Tippman, AVT, Becton but the depth of the O-line is very concerning. Any of these guys go down and the downgrade is significant. JD has to keep signing depth along the O-line and working on the next best 5 as it pertains to the second string.
The AVT ankle situation is beginning to concern me. After the tricep injury he needs reps to get his confidence in the arm back. Of course, the sooner the “best five” can be determined the better in terms of cohesiveness.
Ideally, I’d like to see: Becton, Tomlinson, Tippman, AVT, Turner/Mitchell
I know it’s unsettling to have all of this still “in progress” at this point in camp but good for them for not predetermining which is actually the “best 5” and giving the players an actual opportunity to “play their way” into roles on the OL. This group will be clicking within the first 4 games of the season.