Jets add John Beck, Zach Wilson's quarterback coach, as full-time member of coaching staff
John Beck warms up prior to a game between Washington and Miami on November 13, 2011 Miami. Credit: Getty Images/Joel Auerbach
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets hired Zach Wilson’s personal quarterback coach, John Beck, to be a full-time member of Robert Saleh’s staff for the remainder of the season.
Beck joined the Jets last week and will be "another quarterback coach," Saleh said. He will work primarily with Wilson. But Saleh said Beck, a former NFL quarterback who has no previous coaching experience, will help all the quarterbacks. Beck was on the sideline during Sunday’s game.
Saleh said he and Wilson talked about adding him during the bye week when the Jets quarterback went home and worked with Beck, who lists a number of NFL quarterbacks as his clients.
The Jets want Beck, who is familiar with the system from his time playing under Mike and Kyle Shanahan in Washington, on staff to help Wilson’s progress. Now he’s helping him through his knee injury.
Beck is working with Wilson on his mechanics and fundamentals while he’s rehabbing from a sprained right PCL.
"There’s a really good plan in terms of how to get him through the rest of the year and keep him connected and keep everything tight," Saleh said.
Former East Islip star Rob Calabrese is the Jets quarterbacks coach and senior offensive assistant Matt Cavanaugh works primarily with quarterbacks. Hiring Beck gives the appearance that the coaches weren’t connecting with Wilson. But Saleh said that’s not the case.
"Not at all. It’s not an indictment on anyone whatsoever," Saleh said. "More and more you’re starting to see players have specialty coaches. These quarterbacks all have their guys. They’re talking to them throughout the week. It’s not an indictment on the coaching. It’s just a very specific person to make sure they’re staying connected to the mechanics of it all. .. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Becton update
Mekhi Becton, who is recovering from knee surgery, tweeted "Coming Soon," but Saleh said the big left tackle is still a couple weeks away from practicing. Becton was injured in Week 1. The timetable was 4-8 weeks. Becton had surgery six weeks ago.
"He’s getting closer," Saleh said. "His knee feels really good. The biggest thing is to regain some strength back in that knee and that leg. He is a big man. But he’s coming along good."
Injury report
Corey Davis (hip) did not participate in Tuesday’s walk through. Davis said, "We’ll see," when asked if he could play Thursday night against the Colts. "Just take it one day at a time. Feels good right now, though."
Davis didn’t play Sunday. He took "a bad step" during one-on-one drills and aggravated the hip.
George Fant (ankle), Bryce Huff (back), Tevin Coleman (hamstring) and Trevon Wesco (knee) didn’t participate either. But Saleh wouldn’t rule any of them out yet.
Two-minute drill
Saleh said "every other day" he goes into GM Joe Douglas’ office to "thank him" for trading up to draft rookie left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Saleh said Vera-Tucker is "going to be special." … Rookie linebacker Hamsah Nasirildeen has returned to practice from IR. … The Jets signed safety Jarrod Wilson and released linebacker Noah Dawkins.
