Tim Boyle may start the game behind center when the New York Jets take on the Miami Dolphins in the leagues first ever Black Friday game, but he may end up running for his life.
The Jets may be without both of their left tackles from this season as they prepare a Dolphins team that is tied for ninth in sacks in this season with 31 on the year.
Mekhi Becton, who started the last eight games at left tackle after beginning the season at the right tackle spot, left the Jets embarrassing 32-6 loss against the Buffalo Bills last week in the first quarter with an ankle injury.
"He's trying to go for Friday. He's working through it. He's taped up. He'll be part of practice today," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh prior to Tuesday's walkthrough in Florham Park.
Becton has been up and down this season at left tackle, at times looking elite and shutting down topflight rushers, and other times he has looked lost.
The Jets are also expected to get veteran Duane Brown possibly as soon as this week.
"We have until Thursday," said Saleh on Monday. "We are going to try and lean on him a little bit this week to see where he is at. Just try to get him some physical contact to see how he feels and see whether or not he feels like he can get out there."
The 38-year-old Brown was supposed to be the Jets starting left tackle this season, but after two very poor performances to open the season, the veteran found himself on the IR with a hip injury.
It is unclear if Brown will return to his usual spot at left tackle when he is able to return, or if the Jets will look to keep Becton on the left side. With the Jets offensive line being so thin, Saleh and the coaching staff will need to find a way to get the most talent they can on the line, which would include both Becton and Brown.
"We're just working through it, trying to see where he's at. It's a walkthrough [today], so I think we'll have a really good idea on Wednesday," said Saleh. "Practice is different than game, obviously. We're just trying to do our best to make sure that we put him through a very game-like situation for him. We'll give it another run and see where he's at."
Brown made 12 starts while playing through a torn rotator cuff in 2022. He underwent offseason surgery to repair the injury, but, admittedly, may have rushed himself to return to action.
"I was a bit ambitious in my recovery time, trying to get back. I don't think I was as strong as I could have been," said Brown earlier this month.
If neither Brown nor Becton are able to go, the Jets might look to Carter Warren, the fifth-round rookie out of Pitt who filled in for Becton against the Bills. "Carter, I thought was a pleasant surprise. Tremendous footwork, great patience," said Saleh. "If he does have to go this week, it'll be another opportunity for him to grow."
Veteran Billy Turner, who made one start at right tackle before missing the last two games, may be able to return this week. He had been out with a surgically-repaired finger. "Trending in the right direction," said Saleh of the 32-year-old Turner. Turner could play left tackle, or fill in at right guard this week if he is able to go.
The Jets, who have already given up 40 sacks on the year, will need to fix the offensive line as quickly as possible or it won’t matter if Tim Boyle, Zach Wilson or Joe Namath is playing quarterback.
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