Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media this week and was asked about the recent comments made by offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, more or less blaming the coaching staff for his knee injury last season in training camp that cost him the entire season.
“It made no sense to put me at right tackle,” Becton told Newsday (H/T Brian Costello, New York Post). “I hurt my right knee. That’s going to be the knee that I put the most pressure on. I explained it, but no one cared.
“I got forced to play a position I don’t play, and then I was pretty much telling them I wasn’t feeling good the whole time throughout camp, and I was told I shouldn’t be complaining,” he added. “Go out there and do it. I was limping throughout the whole practice, and I just took a step and my knee buckled and I got hurt again and had to get reconstructive surgery.”
In response, Saleh took the high road and didn’t throw any negativity toward Becton.
“I’m not going to get into the negative of all of it,” Saleh said. “It’s not about finger pointing. What I’m focused on though is over the last six months, Mekhi has done an unbelievable job getting his weight down to where it’s a healthy weight and sustainable. He’s been available during OTAs, he’s been prompt and very diligent with regards to meetings. I think he’s probably in the best shape of his life. He’s got a smile on his face and he’s attacking it. That’s what is most important.
“Whatever happened in the past, happened in the past,” Saleh added. “It’s not about finger pointing, it’s just about moving forward. If he keeps approaching this offseason the way he has and he keeps attacking it the way he has, excited to see what he does with this fourth year.”
Saleh also added Becton’s comments won’t change his plans to play the best five offensive linemen. Becton will compete for the right tackle spot, despite him believing he should be a left tackle. Duane Brown is set at left tackle. Becton will be in the mix with Max Mitchell and Billy Turner.