NY Jets considering shutting down Mekhi Becton for 2021

When the NY Jets lost Mekhi Becton to a serious knee injury in Week 1 of the 2021 season, the hope was that he'd be able to return at some point in the year. With an initial timetable of 4-8 weeks, the Jets were optimistic that Becton could be back on the field by Week 10 or so at the latest.

But as the Jets head into their Week 15 matchup with the Miami Dolphins, the team still doesn't have an update on Becton's status. With just four games remaining in the season, it seems less and less likely that Becton actually plays another game for the Jets in 2021.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that Becton has been "eyeing a Christmastime return" with the Jets' Week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars listed as his potential first game back. But seemingly, those plans may have changed.

Fowler indicated that the Jets "could choose to rest him for the year coming off knee cleanout surgery" and that appears to be the route they're leaning towards. And in reality, that might just be their best move.

The NY Jets should consider resting Mekhi Becton for the remainder of the season

There's no doubt that Becton wants to play again this season, and he's been doing everything in his power to get back onto the field. The young left tackle even took to Twitter last week to promise Jets fans that he would return this season, even if it was the last game of the year.

But at what point do the Jets just say that it isn't worth it? As Fowler notes, George Fant has played very well in Becton's absence at left tackle and it might not make sense to bring back a rusty Becton for one game and risk further injury.

Not to mention, it's far from a guarantee that Becton, who would have not played an NFL game in months and would be coming off a serious knee injury, would even be an upgrade over Fant who has exceeded all expectations.

The Jets' best bet might be to just wait it out with Becton. Give him the entire offseason to not only rehab but get back into a state where he's ready to play and compete again in 2022.

And by the look of things, it seems as though that's a route they're heavily considering taking.