The New York Jets will likely use a ninth different starting offensive line combination when they host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13, but this time it'll be because of improving health.
Left tackles Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton should be available. The former dressed for the first time since coming off Injured Reserve against Miami on Black Friday, but only for emergency purposes. The latter missed his first game of the season in Week 12 as a result of a mild ankle sprain suffered against Buffalo on November 19.
Then, there's veteran Swiss Army knife Wes Schweitzer, who is eligible to come off IR this week.
"Schweitzer, Duane Brown, obviously, Becton should be back this week, hopefully. So, hopefully, we can get a little bit healthy on the offensive line and give us a chance," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh one day after a 34-13 home loss to the Dolphins.
The Jets deployed an altered starting O-line configuration for the eighth time with the latest iteration featuring two rookies and two second-year pros. Right tackle Max Mitchell is a 2022 fourth-round draft pick while Xavier Newman filled in at right guard after being signed off the Practice Squad.
"Just looking for continuity, like I said, whether it’s the five that we had yesterday or the five that we might have next week." said Saleh.
The Green & White have not started the same five offensive linemen in back-to-back games since Week 5. Left guard Laken Tomlinson is the only player to not miss a start.
"You just want to get consecutive weeks to where our guys have a chance to go compete and learn each other with regard to nuance. We have some guys coming in and hopefully it can help stabilize that front," said Saleh.
With Brown and Becton both available, the Jets will have to choose one for the left tackle spot. Brown started the season's first two games at left tackle before landing on IR while Becton started on the right side. The 38-year-old Brown has played almost his entire NFL career on the left side, making it likely that the Jets will ask Becton to flipped back to the right end of the line.
"I’ll sit down and talk with both of them," said Saleh.
Meanwhile, fourth-round rookie Carter Warren, who was playing his first NFL snaps on offense, flashed promising ability while filling in for Becton against Buffalo and Miami.
"For missing all OTA’s and training camp, I’m excited about him. He’s fought over the last two weeks, stepped in when really we weren’t expecting him to play at all this season," said Saleh. "I’m very encouraged by what he’s done with his opportunity. We’ll see if we can find a way to get him more opportunities for the rest of the year."
Schweitzer, who landed on IR on October 31 after suffering a calf injury against the Giants, offers a battle-tested option on the interior. The 30-year-old started at right guard in Week 8 and moved to center when Connor McGovern exited with an injury.
As for what the starting configuration consists of against the Falcons on December 3 will depend upon if both Brown and Becton are used. In the case that both are a go, Mitchell will probably kick back inside to right guard.
The projected starters, based on our best guess, are Brown (LT), Tomlinson (LG), Joe Tippmann (C), Mitchell (RG) and Becton (RT).
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