When the 2025 regular season began, New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis was considered something of an afterthought.

He wasn’t as complete a back as Breece Hall, and his size didn’t make him as imposing as Braelon Allen. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Davis is bigger than the average runner in the league, but he still entered the year as New York’s third option.

When Allen went down with a knee injury in Week 4, which is expected to sideline him for at least 8-12 weeks, it presented an opportunity for Davis to prove himself.

He’s finally breaking out in his role within New York’s offense.

Isaiah Davis’ breakout begins

Davis was always regarded as an efficient runner for the Jets. Despite logging just 30 carries in his rookie campaign, the South Dakota State product averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

He’s been even better in 2025. Davis has seen just 17 carries but has already earned 109 rushing yards, good for an impressive 6.4-yard average. His best performance came last week.

In the Jets’ 39-38 comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Davis recorded a career-high 65 rushing yards on just seven carries. His 50-yard run set up a key score during New York’s comeback. He also caught all five of his targets for 44 yards, bringing his total to 109 yards on just 12 touches.

Last week’s effort showed the kind of dynamic playmaking Davis can bring to the Jets’ offense.

If he can build on that performance, his emergence could become one of the more important developments in New York’s ongoing roster retool heading into 2026 and beyond.

Jets’ running back outlook

New York’s running back room could look a lot different this time next week. With the trade deadline approaching, many fans and analysts are wondering what the Jets will do with Hall.

The former second-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which expires after the 2025 season. Hall’s name has surfaced in trade talks dating back to the draft in April. Should Hall be moved, Davis could be expected to take on the lead role in the Jets’ offense.

If Hall remains, Davis will continue to serve as the primary backup — though the organization clearly values his potential in its own right.

“He brings everything,” head coach Aaron Glenn said of Davis during training camp. “He’s a guy we have to make sure we get on the field as much as possible. Pass protection, his ability to run, his route tree — he’s a very smart player.

“He’s tough, he’s aggressive, and he plays on every special teams unit we have. He’s a valuable piece of what we’re trying to do.”

The more Davis plays, the more effective he looks. As the Jets prepare to come out of the bye week, getting more touches for the former fifth-round pick might be the most logical step forward.

Davis appears ready for that opportunity.