Jets are scraping the bottom of the running back barrel
The Jets might have to sign Freeman McNeil or Curtis Martin for Saturday’s game against Houston.
With Bilal Powell already lost for the season with a neck injury, Isaiah Crowell (toe), Trenton Cannon (toe) and Elijah McGuire (ankle) all sat out practice on Tuesday.
“I will be [worried] by Friday if they don’t practice,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said.
Crowell admitted Tuesday that he was in “excruciating” pain when he injured his toe during Sunday’s win against Buffalo; his foot was immobilized in a walking boot after practice.
Asked if his season might be over, Crowell replied: “I really don’t know, I’m gonna leave injuries for coach to answer. It would be very disappointing. I’ve never missed time before [with an injury]. A lot of pride goes into that.”
According to Bowles, practice-squad backs De’Angelo Henderson and Mark Thompson were the primary ball carriers in practice. Asked if former NFLer and current running backs coach Stump Mitchell has any carries left in him, Bowles joked, “He may be able to dive over the top from the inch line.”
The Jets also made three practice-squad transactions, signing running back Joel Bouagnon and linebacker Jonathan Celestin, while releasing safety Tyvis Powell.
Second-year Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has posted 3,298 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and a 100.9 rating — while leading the Texans to a 9-4 record — since returning from 2017 knee surgery.
“Obviously, he’s a phenomenal player, but he’s also a great person off the field and definitely a good friend,” Jets safety Jamal Adams said.
One week after Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen totaled 101 rushing yards against the Jets, Bowles categorized the former Clemson QB’s running ability as a “huge” concern.
“He can beat you in the pocket and out of the pocket. He’s a gamer,” Bowles said. “You speed him up, he’s going to hurt you with his legs and he can hurt you running out of the pocket. If you don’t speed him up he’s going to sit in the pocket and throw dimes on you.”
Andre Roberts’ kickoff returns of 86 and 51 yards against Buffalo gave him eight returns (five kickoffs and three punts) of at least 40 yards this season. He leads the NFL with a punt return average of 15.3 yards and ranks fourth on kickoffs (27.1).
Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (ankle) and linebackers Jordan Jenkins (shoulder/ankle) and Jeremiah Attaochu (concussion) also did not participate in practice.
