Nov 6, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Duane Brown (71) celebrates the Jets taking over to ice the game in the 4th quarter against the Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
A welcome sight for Jets fans today as the team saw Duane Brown return to action at 1 Jets Drive. This, after missing all of training camp up to this point. Brown met with doctors in Texas earlier this week who cleared him to return to football activities. Without Brown at camp, the Jets have run a myriad of tackles through drills in his place. With Brown back on board, the team can begin working toward getting the whole O-line in place.
Brown missed several games at the start of last season before ending the year on injured reserve. It was a shoulder injury that the 37-year old battled through all year catching up with him.
Now back and ready to slide back in at left tackle, the Jets hope Mekhi Becton can hold down the right side while Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern and Alijah Vera-Tucker man the middle with Joe Tippmann waiting in the wings.
If the Jets line is going to play to its ceiling this season, they’re going to need healthy bodies. Duane Brown’s advanced age (he’ll be 38 when the season starts) will mean lingering health concerns while durability issues for Mekhi Becton will require constant monitoring as well. Tons of talent in the trenches for the Jets, but also no shortage of questions.