NY Jets could start Billy Turner at LT if Duane Brown misses Week 3

The NY Jets enter their Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots hoping to see a bounce-back performance from their offensive line. Unfortunately, one key member of the unit, Duane Brown, didn't practice at all this week.

Brown was sidelined as part of a regular rest day on Wednesday as he continues to work his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. However, Brown was once again held out of practice on Thursday and Friday, this time with a hip injury.

Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Friday that he expects Brown to be able to play on Sunday despite his new injury, although he did indicate that he's getting his hip checked out by doctors.

Given Brown's struggles in Week 2, there was already some calling for the Jets to move Mekhi Becton back to his natural left tackle position. It doesn't seem like that's in the plans, though, even if Brown misses Sunday's game.

The NY Jets would start Billy Turner at left tackle if Duane Brown misses Week 3

Jets offensive line coach told reporters on Thursday that if Brown was unable to play on Sunday, the team would start veteran swing tackle Billy Turner at left tackle. The Jets have no plans to move Becton to left tackle.

In fact, head coach Robert Saleh was quoted saying it would be "irresponsible" for the Jets to move Becton to left tackle midseason. It doesn't seem as though the Jets have any intentions to make that move this season.

The Jets see Turner as Brown's primary backup at left tackle and Max Mitchell as Becton's backup at right tackle. It's possible the Jets would consider moving Alijah Vera-Tucker to tackle, as they did last year, but that's probably more of a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency situation.

Despite Brown's struggles, it's hard to argue that Turner would be any better. The longtime Nathaniel Hackett associate struggled mightily this summer and doesn't exactly have a strong track record of being a capable starting tackle.

The good news for the Jets is that the coaching staff seems confident in Brown's chances of playing on Sunday despite the 38-year-old nursing two separate injuries.