Jets' Training Camp Countdown: Post-Surgery Health Status for Projected Starters

Who will return to their pre-injury form by the conclusion of the NFL Preseason?

© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

The Jets Country Training Camp Countdown, a series of nine questions, runs from July 10 through 18, counting down the days until rookies and veterans report to the New York Jets' facility on July 19.

The 2023 New York Jets are banking on contributions from a group of key offensive players who suffered season-interrupting injuries that required surgery last year. 

From the starting offensive tackles to the team's promising young running back, Gang Green was without the services of numerous important pieces for the bulk of the 2022 season. 

Duane Brown, Mekhi Becton, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Breece Hall and even free-agent signee Mecole Hardman all underwent surgery after missing multiple games last fall. All five players are projected starters in 2023.

Which starters will return to their pre-injury form by the conclusion of training camp? Who will need the full NFL Preseason?

The Jets lost Becton, their once highly-touted bookend, to a preseason right knee problem that kept him off the field for the entire regular season campaign. 

Meanwhile, veteran starter Duane Brown missed the first four games on the schedule before playing through a shoulder injury that needed repairing after the season. 

"He [Brown] won the first annual Selfless Warrior Award for the team in terms of just what he sacrificed," said Saleh. "He stepped on the field, played as many games as he possibly could with torn rotator cuffs and did a really nice job."

Becton, who lost a significant amount of weight this past offseason, should be ready to roll once training camp kicks off, but Brown may need more time.

"I am fully anticipating, for sure Mekhi [to be ready for training camp]," said Saleh on the final day of OTAs Phase 3. "Waiting to get the report on Duane, we think he is, but I can’t verify that one."

Then, there's the versatile Alijah Vera-Tucker, the projected starter at right guard who saw his 2022 season after seven weeks due to a triceps injury that forced him out of an eventual win over the Denver Broncos on October 23.  

The road win over Denver was a costly one as Hall suffered an ACL tear in the second quarter. The running back, who totaled 681 scrimmage yards in 6.5 games as a rookie, is hoping to be available by the Monday Night Football season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

"Obviously, I hope I'm ready [for Week 1], but you never know," said Hall during OTAs Phase 3.

Becton, Vera-Tucker and Hall were all present for the voluntary offseason program, but they participated to differing degrees. 

"Breece and Mekhi will not practice, they’re still going through protocol, but AVT is out there," said Saleh prior to the second OTAs Phase 3 practice.

Hardman, who was limited by injury during the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl run, underwent core muscle surgery a few weeks prior to signing with the Jets. 

Mekhi Becton, RT

Although he prefers the left tackle spot, Becton appears in line to receive an opportunity to prove himself on the right side during the final year of his rookie contract. 

The 2020 first-round draft pick hasn't been available to play since going down in the 2021 season opener. The 6-foot-7 behemoth tackle performed effectively during 14 appearances (13 starts) as a rookie, but it will be a challenge to regain that form.

"He looks good. He looks fantastic," said Saleh in early May. "He’s attacking this offseason the right way and I’m excited for him."

OT Mekhi Becton (77) during a Jets' OTAs practice on May 31 / © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

Duane Brown, LT

Brown, who turns 38 years old in August, started the last 12 games on the 2022 regular season slate despite being limited to one good arm. 

"Torn rotator cuff is not an easy thing to play on. I felt like I produced. It wasn't who I am, but I felt like I produced pretty good, so surgery went great," said Brown, who has made 215 career starts since being drafted by the Houston Texans with the No. 26 overall choice in 2008.

Brown has progressed since surgery, but his recovery may carry over into the NFL Preseason.

"It's going along great. It a long process, but I'm really happy with where I am right now," said Brown during OTAs. "See how the doctors, trainers and everyone, the conclusion we come to at that time [start of training camp]."

Breece Hall, RB

Hall showed off his post-surgery speed during OTAs, but the Jets are proceeding cautiously.

"The kid's already hitting over 22 [mph] on the GPS, so he looks freaking good," said Saleh. "I feel like he won't need to be limited during training camp even though we still will, just to be conscientious and cautious with him."

The explosive runner accounted for 5.8 yards per carry and 11.5 yards per reception in 2022.

"He looks strong, he looks powerful, he’s learning. I’m excited for him to get back on the field." said Saleh on May 31.

RB B Breece Hall (20) pulls weight at Jets' OTAs / © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

Alijah Vera-Tucker, RG

Participating in OTAs practices, Vera-Tucker, who filled in at tackle some last year, was taking reps at guard.

"You can assume AVT is the best right guard," said Saleh in early May.

The 2021 first-round draft selection has impressed while starting 23 games in two seasons.

"Feeling great right now, making great progress, should be ready by camp," said Vera-Tucker during OTAs.

Mecole Hardman, WR

Hardman's contract year was plagued by a lingering injury that eventually cost him a Super Bowl appearance. The speedy slot receiver missed nine regular season games in 2022, but returned for the AFC Championship Game only to reaggravate the injury. 

Hardman, who gained 500+ receiving yards each of his first three NFL seasons, did not reach full-go status during OTAs.

"I’m definitely on the right track," said Hardman on March 23.

Still recovering physically, Hardman was seen working on the side with trainers during springtime practices that were open to media.

"It will be exciting to get Randall [Cobb] back and Mecole [Hardman] back and Conk [Tyler Conklin] back and Breece [Hall] back," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the last day of OTAs. "There’s a lot of guys who are going to be part of this offense that we haven’t seen."

QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Mecole Hardman at Jets' OTAs / © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

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