He’s back.
After missing five weeks with a quad injury, New York Jets running back Breece Hall told reporters Thursday that he will return to the lineup for Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hall, in the first season of a three-year, $43.5 million contract extension he signed in March, went down in Week 3 with a quad issue and has been out since. In his absence, Braelon Allen has been one of the league’s top running backs over that span, creating some controversy as the former second-round pick is set to re-enter the fold.
The Chiefs have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game in the league through eight games this season (134.1). As multi-score underdogs on the road, the Jets will need to exploit that advantage to pull off the upset, so getting Hall back should be valuable for Gang Green in that facet.
Allen has done more than enough to earn a significant role moving forward, but Hall is also one of the league’s top dual-threat backs when he is healthy. Frank Reich told the media that Hall will remain the No. 1 option, though it will be a “mix.”
“It’s a great problem to have. You got two No. 1 backs. Breece is obviously the bell cow — he’s our guy — but it’ll be a mix. And as far as hot hand, not hot hand, I think that’s always an in-game, feel thing.”
Obviously, both players have different skill sets and can be used in different situations, but Reich has to handle this situation properly.
The Jets’ offense has shown signs of potential despite a 2-6 start to the season, especially the promise flashed at their skill positions, but they continue to struggle with finishing drives, ranking 32nd in the red zone (42.3% touchdown rate). They must figure out the red-zone woes against Kansas City on Sunday, and Hall’s return should help.
