Jets move George Fant to right tackle in wake of Mekhi Becton injury, Duane Brown signing
Jets tackle George Fant blocks during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J., on Friday, July 29, 2022. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — George Fant provided a rather strong clue Sunday morning as to which tackle spot he’ll play for the Jets after Mekhi Becton suffered a likely season-ending fractured kneecap last week and Duane Brown joined the cause.
When this training camp practice began, Fant was at right tackle. His preferred spot is left tackle. He excelled there last season after moving from the right side when Becton went down in the opener with a knee injury. So Becton was moved to right tackle at the start of this camp.
After practice, coach Robert Saleh confirmed that the clue was true. It will be Fant on the right side. Brown gets left tackle.
“For George, his curse is also a blessing in that he’s extremely versatile, very athletic,” Saleh said. “He is a team guy. He’s tremendously talented.”
Brown turns 37 on Aug. 30. The five-time Pro Bowler was due to arrive Sunday night after agreeing to a reported two-year, $22 million deal. He has played 14 seasons, almost entirely at left tackle. Fant is in his third season as a Jets starter after spending four years with Seattle.
“You can argue that George’s left tackle production was better than when he played right tackle [in 2020], but that was a different scheme,” Saleh said. “We think he’ll be fine playing right tackle in our scheme.”
Jet streams
Becton went to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Saleh said it was for “a consultation before they make a decision on whether or not they’re going to do surgery . . . We’re anticipating that he’s done for the season.” ElAttrache is scheduled to repair Zach Wilson’s knee on Tuesday . . . OL Chuma Edoga experienced an injury issue during practice, but Saleh said he didn’t think it was “serious.” . . . RB Ty Johnson (hamstring) returned to practice.
