Mekhi Becton was at Jets practice on Friday, but wasn’t participating due to a foot injury that NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport as plantar fasciitis.
The big offensive lineman has been dealing with the foot issue since the first day of New York’s OTA’s but head coach Robert Saleh doesn’t see it as a long-term issue.
“He’s dealing with a foot, and it’s nothing that needs surgery, it’s really not that big a deal,” Saleh told reporters on Friday. “But as you all know, he’s a very large human being, so we’ve asked him to stay off his feet, so we keep him inside during practice. He’s been in meetings, he’s been in workouts, he’s been doing all that stuff. So he’s fine.”
Becton, who stands at 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, is expected to be one of the anchors of the Jets’ revamped offensive line to protect Zach Wilson, and Saleh talked about the importance of Becton taking care of his big frame so the 22-year-old is able to stay on the field this season.
“When you take care of your body and you’re in shape and doing all the things they need to do…their body is their money-maker,” Saleh said. “And the amount of investment you put into your body is the amount you’ll get back. That’s part of the learning progression of young men. They have to learn how to take care of their bodies, eat right, rest right, regenerate, stay hydrated and all of those different things that lead to longevity in this league. Mekhi is one of those. He’s a young man, he’s a very talented young man, he’s a very large young man, and he’s learning every day what it takes to be a professional and how to take that next step.”
Rapoport reported that the injury should keep Becton off the field for “a few weeks,” meaning it won’t impact his presence at training camp, and should be ready to go by July.
“We have a lot of faith in him,” Saleh said. “He’s doing all the right things right now, and we’re excited to get him into training camp and get to work with him.”
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