The New York Jets will be short a running back when they face the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife on Sunday.
After officially placing backup running back Braelon Allen on injured reserve on Thursday, on Friday, Jets coach Aaron Glenn told reporters Allen will be sidelined between 8-12 weeks.
“There’s two different ways he can go about it,” Glenn said, via ESPN. “He could rehab this ... or he could have surgery and get it cleaned up. But the rehab time will be exactly the same. That will be a decision him and his agent will have to make. I’m not making that decision.”
Allen injured his knee while returning a kickoff in Monday’s 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Surgery is not required for what is believed to be an MCL injury, but is strongly recommended.
On top of injuring his knee, Allen was a part of history on Monday.
After dominating on their first drive against the Dolphins, moving the ball 82 yards on 12 plays, including 11 rushes for 76 yards, Allen fumbled on the one-yard line, and the Jets got nothing out of it.
Quarterback Justin Fields fumbled away the ball on the next drive as the Jets became the first team since the 2020 Bengals to start a game with consecutive lost fumbles.
The Jets drafted Allen in the fourth round (No. 134 overall) in 2024. In 21 games over the last two seasons, he’s run for 410 yards on 110 attempts with three touchdowns.
With 76 yards on 18 carries this season, Allen is the team’s most reliable power back. He is typically used in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Without him, starter Breece Hall — who leads the team with 238 yards on 52 rushes — could see an increased workload.
Isaiah Davis, their third stringer, will step in to replace Allen while he’s out.
As a unit, the Jets’ running game ranks third in the NFL in yards per game (144.5). They trail the Buffalo Bills (163.5) and Washington Commanders (154.8).
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