Jets' Mekhi Becton Carted Off With Knee Injury

New York Jets left tackle Mekhi Becton was carted off the field with a knee injury against the Carolina Panthers. The Jets say Becton is doubtful to return

Max Goodman | Sep 12, 2021

It took three quarters for the Jets to find the end zone on Sunday in Carolina, but as soon as New York's offense scored for the first time, they also lost one of their best players to injury.

While rookie quarterback Zach Wilson was scrambling out to his right, finding Corey Davis for his first career touchdown pass, left tackle Mekhi Becton was down by the line of scrimmage, writhing in pain.

After a visit from the training staff, with his teammates and coaches kneeling on the turf in prayer, Becton was helped off the field, limping with every step. From the sideline, he was carted off the field to the locker room with a towel hanging on his head. Television cameras showed the emotion on the left tackle's face, a testament to the severity of his injury.

The Jets quickly announced that Becton is doubtful to return with a knee injury.

Upon further review, as Wilson left the pocket, offensive lineman Greg Van Roten and a member of the Panthers' defensive line both appeared to land on Becton from behind.

Becton battled injuries during his rookie season last year. The former first-round pick played in 14 games and when he was on the field, he showed weekly why he has the potential to be a force on the Jets' offensive line for years to come.

Now, head coach Robert Saleh and this entire organization will wait anxiously to see just how serious this knee injury is, and how long it will keep him on the sideline.

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Published Sep 12, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.