Relief for Jets as Battle-Tested Left Tackle Officially Returns

Gang Green's offensive line gladly welcomes back 16-year veteran

Duane Brown has made a NFL career out of being available and effective.

The 2008 first-round draft pick has made 215 starts since the Houston Texans used the No. 26 overall selection on the Virginia Tech product more than 15 years ago. In 2022, his first season with the New York Jets, the left tackle started 12 games while playing through a torn rotator cuff.

"People won't even get out of bed for the stuff he went through and he was playing NFL football games and he didn't have to because his money was guaranteed," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh.

After offseason shoulder surgery landed him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp, Brown is back and ready to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers's blindside.

"He's cleared," reported Saleh prior to Wednesday's open training camp practice in Florham Park. "As far as involving himself in practice, he's gonna go through an acclimation process. Hopefully, we get him going tomorrow."

Brown received good news at a doctor's appointment on Tuesday in Houston and the Jets subsequently removed the battle-tested bookend from PUP.

"Another guy who brings stability, a wealth of knowledge, a wealth of experience," said Saleh about the long-time left tackle's value on the Jets' offensive line.

Wearing jersey No. 76 this season, Brown participated in the warm-up period of Wednesday's practice session.

Set to turn 38 years old on August 30, the 6-foot-4 Brown will slide directly into a starting role on the left side and Saleh expects him to be available for the Monday Night Football season opener against the Buffalo Bills. As for the starting left tackle in Saturday's preseason finale against the New York Giants on August 26, Saleh said it'll be either veteran Billy Turner or second-year pro Max Mitchell.

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