Late in the afternoon, following yesterday’s trade deadline, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas met with the media.
At his press conference, Douglas was asked about the moves made prior to the trade deadline with the acquiring of James Robinson and moving on from Jacob Martin. He was asked about various polarizing Jets at the moment in, Zach Wilson and Elijah Moore. The vast improvement of the team was discussed. Also, Douglas provided updates on multiple young Jets with season-ending injuries in Mekhi Becton, Breece Hall, and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
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New York Jets GM shares important injury updates:
Becton was the first injured player Douglas was asked about. He shared that he had the procedure and remained in Los Angeles for a few weeks following it. Douglas shared where Becton is at the moment.
“He’s been back in the building. Since, I want to say, early last month. He’s been back, he’s been rehabbing every day in our training room. I know his focus is coming back next year in the best shape he can be and as healthy as he can be. Again, we feel really optimistic that he’s going to be full strength for OTAs.”
The following question, Douglas was asked about both Hall and Vera-Tucker at the same time and had the following to say.
“I know neither one have had surgery yet. Obviously, tough second quarter there in Denver. You’re talking about two young players that were having Pro Bowl-caliber seasons you could argue All Pro-caliber seasons. And so, we love those guys. We love their approach and we love how they handle themselves. Again, our docs are very optimistic that these guys are going to come back full strength next year and hit the ground running.”
Although these were three huge losses for this season, the hope and focus for everyone obviously turns to their availability for next year. Douglas surely gave some inspiring news that one would like to hear.
Hearing that Becton should be fully ready to go for the start of the offseason program in OTAs is encouraging. To also hear it confirmed from Douglas that the Jets doctors are confident that both Hall and Vera-Tucker will make full recoveries in time for next year is excellent.
Douglas did a wonderful job drafting Becton, Vera-Tucker, and Hall, all within the first two rounds of his first three drafts with the Jets. The three are all young players who will be 24 or younger next year. Knowing how crucial they are to the Jets, hearing they should all return at full strength is terrific news.