Running back Joe McKnight will not travel to Seattle for the Jets’ Week 10 game, but the good news is running back Bilal Powell appears ready to return to the field.
Powell has missed the last two games due to a shoulder injury that now appears fully healed. He took advantage of last week’s bye to rehab, putting in some long hours with head trainer John Melody.
Following practice on Friday, Powell declared he was ready
“I went through some good rehab with John and the trainers and gotten some good reps in,” Powell told Metro. “I feel good.”
He is a welcome addition to a backfield that has struggled this year. Through the season’s first six games, Powell is averaging a solid 3.9 yards per carry and has shown an ability to hit the hole effectively but also can bounce outside if the blocking breaks down.
His return as the No. 2 running back behind Shonn Greene provides depth at the position. He’s confident he can pick up with the solid rushing form he showed before the injury sidelined him.
“We’ll have to see on Sunday. We have a good game plan and I’m looking forward to going out there with the fellas,” Powell said.
Gang Green notes
» In addition to McKnight (ankle), head coach Rex Ryan said nose tackle Kenrick Ellis (knee) will not travel with the team to Seattle.
» Linebacker Bart Scott has made some progress with his injured toe and was limited in practice Friday. Scott is expected to travel with the team to Seattle on Friday.
» Ryan said that with the West Coast travel, the team will maintain their East Coast schedule so as not to throw their bodies off.
» Ryan showed the media a Jets cap created to show solidarity with the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The black cap had a logo split down the middle with “NJ” on one side and “NY” on the other. Ryan will wear it in the game. The Jets also made a $500,000 donation to the relief efforts.
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