Hall’s Potential Return vs. Jags Sparks Hope, But Reed’s Status Remains Uncertain!

The New York Jets may see the return of running back Breece Hall this Sunday when they face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hall, who has been recovering from a knee injury, was sidelined last Sunday against Miami but has since participated fully in practice on Friday. The team officially listed him as questionable, but interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich provided an optimistic update, saying, “He looks good right now, so it’s promising.”

Breece Hall’s Injury and Recovery

Hall has been dealing with a hyperextended left knee and an injured MCL, which kept him out of the Jets’ Week 13 loss to Miami. Prior to the injury, Hall had been a standout for New York, leading the team with 692 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, he has contributed 401 receiving yards and two touchdowns, making him a dual-threat weapon for the Jets’ offense.

Despite Hall’s absence, the Jets managed to remain competitive last week, with rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis stepping up in his place. Allen rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries, while Davis added 40 yards on 10 attempts and scored his first rushing touchdown. Still, the Jets are hopeful that Hall can return and help boost their offense for the crucial match-up against Jacksonville.

“We’re hopeful and we’ll see how it goes,” Ulbrich said of Hall’s potential return.

D.J. Reed’s Doubtful Status and Secondary Concerns

On the defensive side, the Jets are dealing with a setback in their secondary. While the team is set to welcome back star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who missed the previous game due to a hamstring injury, they may have to face Jacksonville without cornerback D.J. Reed. Reed is listed as doubtful after missing practice on both Thursday and Friday due to a lingering groin injury.

Ulbrich explained Reed’s injury situation, stating, “It’s been something that’s kind of lingered here and there. It got aggravated and then it went away, and then it got aggravated again.” The Jets will need to monitor Reed’s condition closely leading up to Sunday’s game, as his absence would leave a significant gap in the defense.

With Reed’s status uncertain, the Jets will likely turn to backup options. Veteran Isaiah Oliver or rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers could be tasked with starting opposite Gardner. Additionally, Kendall Sheffield could be elevated from the practice squad for the second week in a row to provide depth in the secondary.

Additional Injuries and Team Adjustments

The Jets’ injury list extends beyond Reed and Hall, with several other key players dealing with injuries. Offensive lineman Xavier Newman is doubtful for the game with a groin issue, while right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and right tackle Morgan Moses (wrist) are both listed as questionable. These injuries in the offensive line could potentially hinder the Jets’ ability to protect quarterback Zach Wilson and establish the run game.

In another setback, kick returner Kene Nwangwu will be placed on injured reserve after breaking his hand in the Miami game. Nwangwu had an impressive debut with the Jets, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after returning a 99-yard kickoff for a touchdown and forcing a fumble in the previous week’s loss to Seattle. However, with his hand injury, the Jets decided that it would be counterproductive for Nwangwu to continue playing this season. Ulbrich expressed regret over the injury, noting, “What a bright light he was. What an amazing future I think he has in this league.”

Looking Ahead

The Jets will need to navigate a number of injury concerns heading into their matchup with the Jaguars. While the potential return of Breece Hall could provide a significant boost to their offense, the uncertainty surrounding D.J. Reed’s status leaves a hole in the secondary. New York’s ability to adjust without Reed, particularly against a Jaguars offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, will be critical for their success.

As the team continues to deal with injuries across both sides of the ball, the Jets will need to rely on depth and strong performances from players stepping up into new roles. With Hall’s potential return and the possibility of key defensive reinforcements, New York will aim to stay competitive as they push through the rest of the season.