What's Happening?
The New York Jets have placed running back Braelon Allen on injured reserve following a knee injury sustained during a game against the Miami Dolphins. Coach Aaron Glenn announced that Allen will be sidelined for 8-12 weeks, as he decides between rehabilitation or surgery. This injury occurred during a kickoff return, and Allen was quickly ruled out after suffering an MCL sprain. Prior to his injury, Allen had rushed for 26 yards on four carries and had a fumble that ended a promising drive. In response to Allen's absence, the Jets have signed veteran running back Khalil Herbert, who was recently released by the Seahawks. Herbert, a five-year NFL veteran, has a career average of 4.8 yards per carry and rushed for 731 yards in 2022 with the Bears.
Why It's Important?
Allen's injury is a significant setback for the Jets, who are currently struggling with an 0-4 start to the season. The loss of Allen, a key player in their running game, could further impact their offensive capabilities. The Jets will now rely on a combination of quarterback Justin Fields and running backs Breece Hall, Khalil Herbert, and Isaiah Davis to fill the void left by Allen. Hall leads the team with 238 rushing yards, while Fields has scored three rushing touchdowns. The addition of Herbert aims to bolster the Jets' running game, but the team faces a challenging path ahead as they seek their first win of the season.
What's Next?
The Jets are preparing for their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, who hold a 1-2-1 record. The team will need to adjust their strategy to accommodate the absence of Allen and integrate Herbert into their lineup. The decision on whether Allen will undergo surgery or opt for rehabilitation will be made in consultation with his agent. Depending on his recovery, Allen could potentially return as early as Week 13, but the team will need to evaluate whether it is beneficial for him to return late in the season.
