Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker said it feels good to get back on the field as he works on his return from surgery on a torn Achilles tendon. But what he's really looking forward to is Monday's practice, the fifth day of training camp but the first day the players will be practicing in full pads.

"I've been real excited for a long time, but I'm most excited to get those pads on," he said in his first get-together with reporters over the weekend. "I know we'll go out with a lot of energy."

Heading into his fourth season in Green & White, AVT has stashed his Swiss Army knife and instead of bouncing from position to position along the offensive line, will be anchored at right guard next to veteran tackle Morgan Moses. That decision was made early in the offseason by head coach Robert Saleh and his staff.

"It feels really good getting back out there with the guys, it's something you really miss when you're not out there," AVT said. "I missed OTAs, but being back for camp, I'm loving it, feeling great. Mentally, physically I feel good."

He added: "I have a couple of hurdles to clear. Right now, I'm on a rep count, which will continue to progress through camp. I hit the rep count each day, and will keep adding more and more."

To Saleh, AVT "is an elite player at that position, so it was good having him out there."

Vera-Tucker sustained season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons, both coming in games at Denver. The Jets play the Broncos (and former teammates John Franklin-Myers and Zach Wilson) again this season, but this time at MetLife Stadium (on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 29).

AVT has returned to find a revamped offensive line (other than second-year center Joe Tippmann). It's a group that has been taken under his wing by veteran Tyron Smith, who was signed in free agency from Dallas.

"I would say having a high-quality veteran in the room never hurts," AVT said. "He can help with the tackles and the guards, with hand placement that can apply to guard work, too. When he gives advice we listen, he's been here a long time and done it at a high level. When he speaks, we listen. From being in meeting rooms, the notes he takes to going to walkthrough ... some guys go through motions. Not him. He's working technique and snap count.

"Other than a crazy talent, he's got huge hands, too. Just footwork, from his feet to punch timing, you can tell he's been doing this a long time. Whenever you see that it makes you want to reach that level.

"He's a quiet guy, and when something needs to be said he will say it. He's always giving advice to younger guys like [first-round draft pick] Olu [Fashanu]. As I said, a quiet guy, but whenever he gives advice you listen."