Will Jets Face Pats Short on Backs?

Take a look at the New York Jets depth chart and injury report and you’ll soon realize that Gang Green could be looking at entering Sunday’s contest against the New England Patriots with a significant shortage of options at running back.

Running back Bilal Powell was limited in practice as a result of a strained calf he suffered in the first half of the Jets’ 17-14 win against the Cleveland Browns.  Powell was expected to see an increased workload against Cleveland as Matt Forte battled a bout of turf toe.

Matt Forte looks to return after a brief absence due to turf toe.

Now with Powell facing the possibility of being out or limited against the Patriots, Forte will be the one with the increased workload, but just how well he moves remains to be seen.

The only other back currently on the roster who has seen work out of the backfield this season is rookie Elijah McGuire who has 34 carries for 176 yards (5.2 YPC) and a touchdown.

For some reason the Jets are also carrying Travaris Cadet, a five-year veteran who was thought to have been added as a kick returner, something he has yet to do.

In his five seasons, Cadet has just 26 career carries for 84 yards.  Other than posting solid numbers as a receiver out of the backfield (102/840/7), Cadet has largely been a non-factor as a member of the Saints, Patriots and 49ers.  What this all boils down to is that if Powell and Forte are hobbled by their injuries and Cadet remains the team’s fourth running back, McGuire had better be ready for his busiest day as a pro.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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