NY Jets: Robert Saleh provides Mekhi Becton injury update

In a press conference on Monday, NY Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke positively about left tackle Mekhi Becton's return to the starting lineup.

Currently on injured reserve, Becton suffered a knee injury in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Though initial reports suggested that Becton would recover in four to eight weeks, heading into Week 7, Saleh said Becton is still "a few weeks away" from rejoining the team.

Other than the later-than-expected recovery timeline, there's reason to be optimistic about Becton's progress so far. Saleh also said Becton was in "pretty good shape" and praised his work ethic and commitment to returning to the lineup as soon as possible.

The 2020 first-round pick missed two full games and parts of four others last season due to a persistent shoulder injury, and this season, his knee injury is only the most recent of his long list of ailments.

The NY Jets gave a somewhat optimistic outlook on Mekhi Becton's return

First, it was the plantar fasciitis that seemingly came out of nowhere, and Becton ended up missing all of the offseason. Then, it was a concussion that caused him to sit out for two weeks of practice.

Becton has struggled to stay on the field at points ever, and despite his rare combination of size and talent as a left tackle, he's clearly no use to the Jets when injured.

In Becton's place, George Fant has flourished in his natural position, earning an 84.5 pass blocking (and 71.9 overall) score from Pro Football Focus after allowing just six pressures and no sacks in 161 pass block reps.

For the sake of Becton's career and the Jets' 2021 season, all would still agree the sooner Becton returns, the better.

He played 70 percent of offensive snaps last year, and this year New York needs him just as much to protect Zach Wilson, who has had an up-and-down start to his career.

The Jets' offensive line has surprisingly earned above-average grades in recent weeks. Becton, once he returns, can help the offense achieve much more.