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The Jets initially projected optimism after right tackle Mekhi Becton limped off the practice field on Monday afternoon with a knee injury. By Monday evening, it turned out that optimism had been completely misplaced. 

Becton suffered an injury to his knee cap and patella, unrelated to the knee injury that kept him out for most of last season, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes. Though Becton will undergo more tests on Tuesday, he is expected to miss significant time and could be out for the full season. 

For Becton, a player who was meant to use this season as a springboard after playing just one game in 2021, the injury is a brutal blow that could have ramifications for his football future. For the Jets, it is a punch to the gut — and an immediate test to the depth of their offensive line, with fellow tackle Conor McDermott also dealing with an ankle issue expected to keep him out 1-2 weeks. 

The Jets took the first step toward addressing that depth later Monday by signing Caleb Benenoch, a 28-year-old who has played five seasons with Tampa Bay and New Orleans, with the ability to play both guard positions as well as right tackle. Benenoch’s signing was first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. 

Duane Brown, who visited over the weekend, would seem to be an option as well. A former All-Pro, Brown will soon be 37 and is coming off a tough season with the Seahawks, but would bring a veteran presence to the room. Signing Benenoch, who has played just two NFL games since 2018, doesn’t seem likely to preclude Brown from coming, particularly given the severity of Becton’s injury. 

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Despite the immediate issues at hand for the Jets, the long-term worries for Becton could be greater. He has the pedigree of being a former first-round pick, but coming back after playing just one game in possibly as long as two seasons will not be easy — particularly for a player who has struggled with conditioning in the past. Last year, it was the reason he did not return from an injury that wasn’t initially described as season-ending. On Monday, Becton labored through the early part of practice during a hot and humid day at Florham Park before getting hurt. 

“If he does have to take some time off, obviously you’re always concerned for everyone,” coach Robert Saleh said. “I have the same concern for [cornerback] D.J. Reed, I have the same concern for anyone — for [running back] Ty Johnson who’s been having a really good camp. 

“You just don’t want to get into a deficit of conditioning. And he is a big man and he’s been working his tail off and he’s been doing everything he’s been asked to do. So hopefully like I said, everything checks out good the way we think it’s gonna and he can continue on this track and continue building the way he has.” 

Becton donned a brace in practice late last week and his snap count was limited in the Jets’ Green and White Scrimmage over the weekend, which Saleh said had no connection to the injury on Monday. The plan was to limit Becton’s snaps on the turf at MetLife Stadium because it was the team’s first time playing on the artificial surface, and thus warranted caution. 

Chuma Edoga filled in for Becton at practice and is the next man up on the depth chart. A third-round pick in 2019, Edoga got into five games last season but has not started one since 2020. The defensive line, largely, won the day Monday, sending Zach Wilson scrambling on a regular basis. 

“Obviously Chuma’s got all the ability in the world, he’s just trying to find his consistency,” Saleh said. “Being consistent in the way he approaches the game, in the way he executes from play to play. So it’s hard on him. There’s no excuses for anyone but he is going from left to right cause he does have to swing. That is difficult, especially in camp, but I know he’s working his tail off.” 

The Jets coach did, however, reject the notion that the Jets need to improve their depth at tackle. 

“I think we do really like our backup situation,” Saleh said. “I know [when] McDermott’s back, he’ll be fine, he’s started games for us. Chuma’s started games for us. Getting a guy like Duane Brown is kinda being spoiled in a sense of having so much great talent at one position. We do have faith in our backup offensive linemen.” 

That, though, was hours before the forecast grew worse — Saleh ended his media availability by describing himself as an “Optimistic Oliver.” 

This being the Jets, though, optimism never does seem to last. And on this occasion, it might have evaporated in record time.