Saleh still hopeful for Becton’s return

It is another week later in the Jets season and left tackle Mekhi Becton is still not practicing.

The second-year player underwent knee surgery during the second week of the season and the Jets said they expected him to be out four to eight weeks. It has now been 12.

“He hasn’t had a setback or anything, just everyone is different in terms of how they heal,” Jet coach Robert Saleh said. “So, hopefully we can get something going soon, but it’s all the same.” Becton was doing work with a trainer on a side field during the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to the media. He has not played since Week 1 and time is running out for him to return.

If he does not practice this week, that leaves four weeks for him to return to practice, get into football shape and then play in a game. Saleh said the Jets have not thought about shutting him down and made it sound like they would play him even if it is only one game this year.

“I don’t think it’s ever too late,” Saleh said. “I think he’s got a desire to play for his teammates, play for his family and all that. So, whether it’s one game, two games, I don’t think it really matters to him, he just wants to get back on the field.”

The Jets’ list of injuries is getting long. Rookie WR Elijah Moore (quad) was among eight players who did not practice Wednesday. Saleh said he is hopeful that Moore can play Sunday against the Saints.

The others who did not practice were: CB Michael Carter II (concussion), RB Tevin Coleman (concussion), RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle), TE Ryan Griffin (knee/ankle), LB C.J. Mosley (back), DL Sheldon Rankins (knee) and TE Trevon Wesco (ankle).

CB Brandin Echols was designated to return to practice from IR. … S Elijah Benton was signed to the practice squad.