NY Jets reveal positive update on Mekhi Becton's injury timetable

The NY Jets will officially kick off their 2022 training camp next month, and when they do, they expect offensive tackle Mekhi Becton to be present and participating.

Head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday's minicamp practice and revealed that the Jets expect Becton to be ready for the start of training camp.

The 23-year-old chose not to attend voluntary OTAs last month as he tended to his newborn child at home. He's been in attendance for mandatory minicamp this week, although he hasn't practiced with the team as he continues to rehab from his knee injury.

This shouldn't come as a surprise as the Jets have held out any player with even the most minor of injuries this spring. They're being extra cautious after last season's injury debacle, and that caution extends to Becton.

NY Jets OT Mekhi Becton will be under a lot of pressure in 2022

Saleh also said that Becton "looked good" when asked about his conditioning, although he stopped short of going into further detail. This could be somewhat notable given the team's persistent praise of the conditions of players like Denzel Mims and Zach Wilson.

If Becton showed up in the physical shape the Jets had hoped, you'd think they'd make that abundantly clear. Instead, when pressed about Becton's weight, Saleh simply said he was "not going to get into" it.

Nonetheless, it's encouraging that the Jets expect Becton to be ready in time for training camp. That will mark the first time that the former Louisville standout has practiced with the team since his injury in Week 1 of last year.

Needless to say, the pressure is on for Becton to not only stay healthy in 2022, but for him to live up to expectations. The Jets need a healthy and motivated Becton to solidify their offensive line this season.

The offseason noise, redundant headlines, and unnecessary drama — none of it matters. What matters is how Becton performs when he steps on the field come Week 1.

The next step in that process: training camp.