New Jets OT Duane Brown hits field, but not quite ready for team drills
Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Duane Brown (76) looks on during pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Dec. 12, 2021, in Houston. Credit: AP/Matt Patterson
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets’ new starting left tackle was on the field Monday, working out on the side while the team was practicing.
Duane Brown should join the Jets in team drills within the next few days. The five-time Pro Bowler officially signed his two-year contract Monday and will do conditioning work until the Jets believe he’s ready to start practicing.
Robert Saleh isn’t concerned that Brown, a former Texan and Seahawk, hasn’t done any football activities since last season.
“They go through all the physicals and all the different things, the checklist,” Saleh said. “He played last year; he looked fantastic doing it. It’s just a matter of clearing all the medical hurdles. Then just watching him in individual today with trainers, he’s fine.”
The Jets reached a deal with Brown after right tackle Mekhi Becton suffered a fracture in his right kneecap. With Brown on board, George Fant is now playing right tackle.
To make room for Brown, the Jets released receiver Keshunn Abram.
Still Joe Cool
Former Raven C.J. Mosley said 37-year-old Joe Flacco — who is the Jets’ QB1 until Zach Wilson returns from his knee injury — “looks exactly the same” as when he first played with him in Baltimore.
“He still has that good arm, nice release, tall in the pocket, still running around,” Mosley said. “You don’t see that many times from a 35-plus guy. He’s looked confident. He knows the offense. If his number is called, we all know he’ll be ready.”
Hold the Sauce
Rookie corner Sauce Gardner has impressed Mosley. But Mosley will call Gardner only by his given name, Ahmad, for now.
“He’s Ahmad until the season starts and he makes a play,” Mosley said. “Ahmad it is.”
Deebo Clemons
Rookie edge rusher Micheal Clemons is “very serious,” according to Saleh, and has been nicknamed “Deebo” by his teammates. Deebo was the neighborhood tough guy in the “Friday” films played by the late Tony Lister Jr. Clemons had a sack and seven pressures in Friday’s preseason game in Philadelphia.
Two-minute drill
Quinnen Williams didn’t practice because of an ankle issue, but Saleh said “he’ll be fine.” . . . Kicker Eddy Pineiro sat out with back tightness. Greg Zuerlein made all four of his field-goal tries.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
