Braelon Allen, significant loss for the Jets
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen will miss between eight and twelve weeks due to a knee injury, according to coach Aaron Glenn. Allen suffered the injury while returning an opening kickoff on Monday night. The player is considering whether to undergo surgery for what is believed to be a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.Glenn had described the injury as “quite serious” earlier in the week, but waited for a second opinion. The optimistic scenario points to a return in early December, but he could also miss the rest of the season. This is a significant blow for the Jets, who are still winless (0-4) and rely heavily on the running game, being the third-best rushing attack in the NFL. Allen, with 76 yards on 18 carries, is their best power runner, generally tasked with short-yardage situations and at the goal line. His absence could increase touches for Breece Hall, who leads the team with 238 yards on 52 carries. Isaiah Davis, usually the third-down running back, will replace Allen as the number 2 running back. Davis (five carries for 27 yards) is not as powerful as Allen, but has better speed and cutting ability. It’s unclear who will dress as the number 3 running back on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Normally, that role would be for Kene Nwangwu, but he is battling a hamstring injury and his status is uncertain. It will be a last-minute decision, according to Glenn. On Thursday, the Jets signed veteran Khalil Herbert from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. Herbert, formerly of the Chicago Bears, has rushed for 1,905 yards in four seasons. He can also return kicks. They also made an addition to the practice squad, signing former Atlanta Falcons draft pick Avery Williams on Friday. He also has return ability.There are two different ways to approach the situation. He could rehabilitate or undergo surgery. The rehabilitation time will be the same, that will be a decision that he and his agent will have to make. I will not make that decision.
Aaron Glenn, Jets Coach
