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The Jets’ struggling offensive line could be without its starting left tackle on Sunday if the first two practice days of the week are any indication.

Duane Brown was held out of practice on Wednesday and remained out on Thursday.

The 38-year-old missed most of training camp after offseason left-shoulder surgery and has struggled up to this point this season.

He’s also nursing a hip injury, which is a new malady.

The Jets’ offensive line as a whole has been a problem so far this season.

It has given up six sacks in two games and was abused by the Cowboys on Sunday in a lopsided road loss.

Quarterback Zach Wilson was pressured on 16 of 30 passing plays, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.


  Duane Brown could miss the Jets game against the Patriots. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Duane Brown could miss the Jets game against the Patriots. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Overall, Brown is ranked 68th out of 68 eligible offensive tackles in pass block win rate.

“He’s the ultimate pro and all of us had a really big challenge [last] week,” offensive line coach Keith Carter said. “We know they’re a really good rush front. He battled his butt off. There’s things that we watched [on the tape] that we know we got to get better at, Duane included. We got to answer the bell better with some of our challenges that we face.”

If Brown can’t play, the Jets could move right tackle Mekhi Becton to left tackle or use a backup, Billy Turner or Max Mitchell, there.

Turner and Mitchell struggled throughout training camp and the preseason.

Becton said he would be open to returning to his natural position of left tackle if asked, but that he has only worked on the right side in practices this week. C

arter said that the plan does not include using Becton at left tackle as of now.

“We have all the confidence in the world that Duane will be ready to go,” Carter said. “If for some reason, in any game, that’s not the case, we feel like Billy has done a really good job — and Max — preparing and it’s next man up. That’s how the league goes.”

Becton added: “I don’t care, I just want to do what’s best for the team.”

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett attributed the problems against the Cowboys to the Jets falling into a hole and being one-dimensional.

They ran for just 64 yards on 16 carries.

Head coach Robert Saleh said on Wednesday he wasn’t ready to make any changes on the offensive line.

Brown’s injuries, however, may force his hand.

What is clear is that the Jets need to play better up front.

“Shoot, we got to protect Zach better, so he can get the ball out,” Becton said. “That’s the main thing.”

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