NY Jets LT Duane Brown in 'phenomenal shape' ahead of preseason debut

On Wednesday, NY Jets offensive tackle Duane Brown took the field for team drills for the first time since joining the organization earlier in the month. And the Jets couldn't be happier with the condition he's in.

Head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media following Wednesday's practice and indicated that Brown was in "phenomenal shape." He also said that Brown would make his preseason debut this Sunday when the Jets take on the New York Giants.

This is a significant development given that, to this point, Brown had only participated in individual drills as he went through his ramp-up period. Now, Brown will be making his Jets debut alongside the entire starting offensive line on Sunday.

Saleh also said that the Jets will play their starters anywhere between one quarter and one half against the Giants. After sitting most of the starters this past Monday, the Jets will get an extended look at their first team this weekend.

The NY Jets expect big things from Duane Brown in 2022

A serious injury to young offensive tackle Mekhi Becton put the Jets in a temporary bind this summer and necessitated the signing of Brown, a player the team was already interested in for depth purposes.

Now the designated starting left tackle, Brown will be tasked with protecting Zach Wilson's (and temporarily Joe Flacco's) blindside as part of an offensive line that has the potential to be a top-10 unit in the NFL.

A 15-year NFL veteran, Brown was long considered to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL. While he's not quite the player he was in his prime, he proved last season that he still has plenty left in the tank.

The soon-to-be 37-year-old finished with a 71.5 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked 37th among all offensive tackles in the league while starting all 17 games last year. He's played every one of his team's games in three of the last four seasons.

The Jets truly believe that their offensive line can be one of the best in the league, but for that to happen, Brown will have to prove that he can still play at a high level.

Sunday will mark the first time he takes the field for live game reps with his team. The Jets couldn't be more thrilled with the progress he's made to this point.