Aaron Rodgers's Blindside Protector Glad to Be Back
When one starts 215 games over the course of a National Football League career, one doesn't usually take a liking to sitting on the sideline.
New York Jets' left tackle Duane Brown, who spent the first month of training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, is officially back after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery that repaired the torn rotator cuff he played through last year.
"It feels great [to be back]. It's amazing. It's been a long process, a long year," said the 16th-year pro following Thursday's practice in Florham Park. "Just watching everything, seeing the changes on the team and the energy around. To be out there and be a part of it, it means everything to me."
Although he won't play in Saturday's preseason finale against the New York Giants, Brown is in line to slide right into the starting lineup for the Monday Night Football season opener on September 11. The grizzled veteran, who has taken almost all of his 10,000+ NFL snaps at left tackle, gives the Jets a proven blindside protector in front of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"He is not affected by an injury because he is going to continue to find a way to get on the field. He is an absolute pleasure. He is a stud," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday.
Brown was on the field for the warmup period during Wednesday's practice. On Thursday, he was seen participating in position drills.
"Today, I just did individual period, but it was a great step forward in where I need to go," said Brown two days removed from the PUP list.
Set to turn 38 years old on August 30, Brown says he has made a faster-than-average recovery from the rotator cuff injury.
"Honestly, it should've been longer. I'm kinda beating he odds of getting back quicker than expected," said the 2008 first-round draft pick.
Not playing in a preseason game this summer won't affect his readiness for Week 1 according to Brown, who claims to get all the preparation he needs from battling his teammates on the other side of the ball.
"Going against our d-line will sharpen you up pretty quickly," said Brown.
LT Duane Brown at Jets' OTAs
© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com
Saleh appears to hold a high level of confidence in the long-time pro.
"The way he prepares, I mean you guys see him every day. The guy is just so cognizant and so intentional with how he works day in and day out on his body, so I’m not anticipating any holdbacks because of his age," said Saleh.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, a 2021 first-round draft choice, mentioned the benefits that come with Brown's return.
"Knows a lot about the game and he definitely helped out a lot last year," said Vera-Tucker on Thursday. "It'll be cool getting him on the line now with all five of us there."
Brown, left guard Laken Tomlinson, center Connor McGovern, Vera-Tucker and right tackle Mekhi Becton comprise the quintet charged with protecting a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.
Brown envisions a productive starting five as long as everyone's health cooperates.
"Health is the main thing for me. I think if we're healthy we'll be fine," said Brown. "We have a lot of talent. We have guys that are hungry. We'll jell pretty quick. Getting guys out there and healthy is the main thing."
As for the team's upgrade at quarterback, Brown is naturally excited but it wasn't a factor in his decision to return for a second season with Gang Green.
"I knew I was coming back. The surgery itself was pretty tough, but in my mind, I'm always up for the challenge," said Brown.
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