No Live Team Reps for Jets' Two Second-Year Stars

Three starters nursing minor injuries as NFL Preseason rolls on

The Carolina Panthers didn't see any of Garrett Wilson or Sauce Gardner during Wednesday's joint practice with the New York Jets.

Wilson, the team's top receiver, has not practiced since suffering an ankle inversion while attempting to make a catch on July 27. The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has been working out on the side as he works his way back from the minor injury.

"Integrate Garrett back into practice, but he's not getting any live team reps," said head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday morning in Spartanburg, SC.

While Wilson has been deemed a limited participant, the plan is to keep Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, sidelined for at least one day. The All-Pro cornerback apparently tweaked his quad muscle before departing New Jersey on Tuesday.

"Sauce, it's more precaution than anything," said Saleh. "He felt something yesterday in practice, so we're just holding him out."

Veteran edge rusher Carl Lawson, who has been dealing with a back issue since Sunday, joined Gardner as a non-participant at Wofford College. 

"His back, just for precaution, we're trying to take care of his lower back," said Saleh. "Hopefully we get him back soon."

As for those who participate in live reps against the Panthers, Saleh issued a warning.

"Today's gonna strain everybody," said Saleh. "This will be the heaviest workload that we put on our guys all camp."

The workload is sure to test offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, who hasn't played a regular season game since the 2021 season opener.

The 6-foot-7 Becton took a handful of snaps during the Hall of Fame Game and performed effectively. 

"Every day is important for him. He's making progress. He's getting a lot better. He had a really good day yesterday," said Saleh about the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. "Today's going to be a good test for him and the confidence he has in his knee."

The Jets and Panthers assemble together for practices on August 9 and 10 at Wofford before meeting again during Saturday's preseason game in Charlotte.

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