When Mekhi Becton sustained a dislocated right kneecap in the New York Jets regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers last season, it was expected the big tackle would be out 4-8 weeks.

Nearly eight months later, general manager Joe Douglas said in an interview Tuesday on WFAN-FM in New York that Becton is “still rehabbing, still getting healthy.”

If that at all worries the GM, Douglas wasn't letting on to co-hosts Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney.

“I think it was a situation where it really isn't anyone's fault — player, medical — this [injury] just took longer than anyone predicted, and it wasn't for a lack of effort or trying,” Douglas said. “It just ran a little long.”

Douglas added that he's pleased with Becton's rehab and that the 2020 first-round pick is “on a good course right now to be ready for training camp.”

While that seems to be good news, it remains shocking that it's taken Becton so long to recover from the injury, especially considering the favorable diagnosis at the time.

Becton is a large man, who also missed two games due to injury as a rookie, and there were whispers he may have gained considerable weight while sidelined, perhaps reaching 400 pounds on his already-massive 6-foot-7 frame. The Jets and Becton's personal trainer Duke Manyweather have disputed those claims.

Again, Douglas sounded unfazed during his interview.

“We've had good conversations,” he said. “We feel like we have pretty good tabs on his weight. He's in a good place.”

The Jets have not seen Becton since the season ended. He currently is in Dallas, working out with Manyweather and awaiting the birth of his first child.

His absence from the Jets voluntary workouts, which began before the NFL Draft last week, raised some eyebrows. The Jets fully expect him at their Florham Park, NJ facility after the baby is born.

“The season doesn't start tomorrow,” Douglas said. “So, I think when he comes up here after the baby is born, when he is here for mandatory mini camp, throughout the period between mandatory mini camp and training camp when he's here, I know how important it is for him to come back in the best shape, the best possible health he can be because look, he has a lot of pride and he's a competitor, a competitive guy.”

When camp begins, Becton may have a new position. Becton was Drafted as a left tackle. He could switch to the right side after veteran George Fant played well on the left following Becton's injury last season.

New York did not select an offensive lineman until the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They chose to bypass the top prospects in favor of Louisiana's Max Mitchell, who will need time to develop. That showed the Jets believe Becton will be back this season, and be both healthy and productive.

“We feel good about Mekhi,” Douglas said. “We feel good about our tackle depth, our tackle room.”