Gameday Inactives: Becton Unavailable to Face Dolphins, Jets Bench Lazard on Black Friday

Three Jets' starters are inactive for key AFC East matchup at MetLife Stadium

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Updated:
Nov 24, 2023 2:45 PM EST
Original:
Nov 24, 2023

In this story:

New York Jets' veteran receiver Allen Lazard is taking a seat for the first-ever NFL Black Friday Game.

The Jets made Lazard a healthy scratch, listing the underperforming pass-catcher amongst the team's seven gameday inactives for Friday's matinee against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. The benching comes with the Jets' offense mired in a slump, having scored only two total touchdowns in its past four games.

Starting left tackle Mekhi Becton also landed amongst the inactives. He left last week's game against the Buffalo Bills after suffering an ankle injury late in the first quarter and did not return as fourth-round rookie Carter Warren filled in the rest of the way. Becton did not practice on Thursday.

Listed as doubtful, starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II is inactive for the second week in a row due to a hamstring injury. Special teams regular Sam Eguavoen will also miss his second straight game as he deals with a hip issue.

Veteran defensive end Carl Lawson joins Lazard as a high-priced healthy scratch. Lawson, who has played in only five games this season, was also inactive last week against the Bills.

Offensive tackle Austin Deculus and emergency quarterback Zach Wilson round out the Jets' inactives for the November 24 affair.

One week ago, Lazard was nearly silent against the Buffalo Bills. He had no catches and one drop on one target. Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million free-agent contract this past March, has totaled 290 yards receiving and one touchdown on 20 receptions in 10 games this season. Pro Football Focus has Lazard slotted as the NFL's No. 142 most-effective receiver with a 55.4 grade.

The visiting Dolphins have six inactive players, most notably rookie running back De'Von Achane, who averages 11.8 yards per carry.

Official inactives were released 90 minutes prior to the game's scheduled start time. The Jets and the Dolphins kick off at 3:00 pm ET in East Rutherford.