Bilal Powell’s Neck Injury Could be Career Ending

Earlier Wednesday morning, The New York Jets announced they placed running back Bilal Powel on the injury reserve. Powell suffered a neck injury in the 37-17 loss to the Minnestoa Vikings on Sunday. The neck injury is severe and requires surgery, a potential career ending surgery.

The University of Louisville alum was having a strong season out of the back field for Gang Green. So far this season, the 29 year old had rushed for 343 yards along with 11 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. These stats make Powell the Jets second leading rusher, and fifth on the team in receptions.

Powell was a fourth round pick by the Jets in 2011. He is currently the longest-tenured player on the Jets. Powell is 10th all time in team history with 3,446 career rushing yards. This season marks the last year of Powell’s contract.

With Powell on the shelf, Isaiah Crowell will be relied upon more heavily. Crowell leads the Jets with 459 rush yards and five touchdowns.

The rookie sixth round pick of the Jets, Trenton Cannon, also figures to get more opportunities in the backfield. Cannon has not contributed much this season, he is good for eight carries for 19 yards, along with five receptions for 75 yards. Another option is Elijah McGuire who is set to return from a foot injury next week.

Powell’s injury is just one of many the Jets have faced thus far this season. Gang Green has been without  Quincy Enunwa, Marcus Maye, Trumaine Johnson, Buster Skrine, and Doug Middleton.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles says the Powell’s injury is comparable to the injury Enunwa suffered last season, which sidelined the reciever all year. Bowles adds that Powell’s injury is a bit worse.

With Powell’s impending free agency along with his 30th birthday being right around the corner, the franchises 10th leading rushers future is uncertain.