NY Jets OT Mekhi Becton is doing everything he can to play on Friday

When NY Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton was carted off the sideline with an apparent leg injury during the team's 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday, many immediately feared the worst.

After all, Becton's history with knee injuries has been well documented to this point. The former first-round pick essentially missed all of the 2021 and 2022 seasons with separate knee injuries. That's what made his premature exit so concerning.

Fortunately, however, Becton avoided major injury, instead sustaining a low-ankle sprain that reports suggested would keep him sidelined for 1-2 weeks. As it turns out, Becton might not miss any time at all.

The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Wednesday after being listed as a DNP (did not practice) for the previous day's walkthrough. He's doing everything he can to be on the field this Friday.

No one can question Mekhi Becton's toughness

Becton was spotted limping around on the practice field with a heavily taped ankle. It's unclear how much he did actually practice on Wednesday, but he did enough to earn the "limited participant" designation.

Now, it still feels like a long shot that Becton will be able to suit up for Friday's game. The Jets are on a short week, and it probably wouldn't be wise to play Becton on what is essentially one healthy ankle, especially given his prior injury history.

Becton is pushing to play, though. Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised Becton's toughness on Wednesday, stating that he's doing everything he can to play on Friday despite initial reports suggesting he could miss multiple weeks.

The Jets have a few options if Becton is unable to play on Friday. The first and most obvious solution would be to activate Duane Brown from the injured reserve and have him take over at left tackle.

Brown was designated to return from the IR three weeks ago, and the Jets have until Thursday (today) to activate him. If they don't, Brown will revert to the season-ending injured reserve and will not be eligible to play this season.

There is some doubt that Brown will be good to go by Friday, however. That could leave the Jets with fourth-round rookie Carter Warren at left tackle instead. Warren stepped in for the injured Becton on Sunday and predictably struggled, allowing a team-worst five pressures.

Becton is still holding out hope that he will be able to play on Friday, and while his efforts are admirable, the safe bet is to assume that someone else is starting at left tackle against the Miami Dolphins in Week 12.

Credit to Mekhi Becton, though — his toughness cannot be question.