Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets

Injuries have been a defining challenge for the New York Jets this season, sidelining key contributors at critical moments and derailing their playoff hopes. But in recent weeks, a silver lining has emerged: several injured players have shown visible, encouraging progress in their rehab, offering a glimpse of better health for the team as it wraps up the 2024 campaign and prepares for 2025. Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets isn’t just about updates on physical recovery—it’s a story of resilience, the Jets’ investment in player care, and the quiet work that happens behind the scenes to get athletes back on the field. For fans and the organization alike, these signs of progress are more than just positive news; they’re a reminder that the team’s core talent remains intact, and that better days could be ahead.

Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets is most notable for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins—an injury that initially sidelined him for what was expected to be 4-6 weeks. In the weeks since, Gardner has made steady strides: he began light on-field drills (like jogging and lateral shuffles) in Week 14, progressed to cone drills and catch-and-tackle simulations in Week 15, and was spotted participating in team walkthroughs during Week 16. Jets head athletic trainer John Mellody provided an update last week, noting that Gardner’s ankle stability has “improved significantly” and that he’s no longer experiencing pain during movement. “Sauce has been relentless in his rehab,” Mellody said. “He’s showing up early every day, following his treatment plan to the letter, and pushing himself just enough to make progress without risking setbacks. That’s the kind of work ethic that gets players back on the field faster.” Gardner himself shared a brief clip of his cone drills on social media, captioning it “One step at a time”—a message that resonated with Jets fans eager to see their All-Pro cornerback return.

Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets also includes running back Breece Hall, who missed three games in November with a mild ankle sprain and has since returned to limited action—but continues to build strength and endurance in his rehab. Hall, who rushed for 85 yards in his Week 17 return against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been working with the Jets’ strength and conditioning staff to improve ankle flexibility and prevent future injuries. Post-practice sessions now include 20 minutes of targeted stretches, resistance band exercises, and balance drills, all designed to stabilize the ankle and reduce strain during cuts and bursts. Hall explained that the extra work is about “playing smart, not just playing fast”: “Last year, I came back from a knee injury too quickly and didn’t take the time to build up the small muscles around it. This time, I’m doing it right. The ankle feels good now, but I want to make sure it’s strong enough to handle a full workload next season.” Film from Week 17 shows Hall moving with more confidence—he broke three tackles and recorded a 20-yard run, a sign that his rehab is translating to on-field performance.

Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets extends to offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, who has been dealing with a recurring knee injury that kept him out of six games this season. Becton, whose size (6’7”, 364 pounds) puts extra strain on his joints, has focused his rehab on low-impact strength training—using swimming, elliptical workouts, and weightlifting to build leg muscle without stressing his knee. He also added yoga to his routine to improve flexibility, a change he credits with reducing stiffness in the morning. In Week 16, Becton participated in full-team practice for the first time since early November, working with offensive line coach John Benton on pass-blocking drills and showing no signs of discomfort. For the New York Jets, Becton’s progress is critical: he’s the team’s projected starting left tackle for 2025, and a healthy Becton would stabilize an offensive line that has been inconsistent this season. “Mekhi’s rehab has been about more than just healing his knee—it’s about building a body that can handle the rigors of an NFL season,” Benton said. “He’s lost 15 pounds since the start of the season, which has reduced pressure on his joints, and his strength is better than it was last year. I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing.”

Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets has been supported by the team’s state-of-the-art training facility, which includes underwater treadmills, cryotherapy chambers, and a dedicated rehab wing staffed by four full-time athletic trainers and two physical therapists. This investment has paid off: the Jets’ injured reserve list has shrunk from 12 players in Week 12 to just 5 in Week 17, a rate of recovery that’s faster than the NFL average. Players have praised the staff’s personalized approach—each rehab plan is tailored to the athlete’s body type, injury history, and position-specific needs. For example, Gardner’s plan focuses on lateral movement (critical for a cornerback), while Becton’s emphasizes lower-body strength (key for an offensive lineman). For the New York Jets, this commitment to player care isn’t just about short-term recovery; it’s about retaining talent and building trust. “When you know the team is invested in getting you healthy—not just getting you back on the field—you feel valued,” Hall said. “That makes you want to work harder, and it makes you more likely to stay with the team long-term.”

Rehab Progress Visible for Injured on the New York Jets has also sparked excitement among fans, who have been following updates closely on social media and team broadcasts. Videos of Gardner’s drills and Becton’s practice reps have gone viral, with fans commenting things like “Can’t wait to see Sauce back next season!” and “Healthy Becton = better offense for the Jets!” Local sports radio has dedicated segments to discussing the rehab updates, with analysts noting that a healthy core of Gardner, Hall, and Becton could turn the Jets into playoff contenders in 2025. For the New York Jets, this fan enthusiasm is a reminder that even in a losing season, hope persists—and that the team’s future depends on getting its best players back to full health. As the 2024 season ends, the focus now shifts to maintaining rehab momentum through the offseason, ensuring that players are ready to hit the ground running in training camp. “Rehab doesn’t stop when the season ends,” Mellody said. “We’ll keep working with these guys all winter to make sure they’re 100% by next August. The progress we’ve seen so far is great—but the real work is just beginning.” For Jets fans, that work is a promise of better days ahead—days when injuries no longer derail the season, and the team’s talent can shine through.