The New York Jets placed running back Bilal Powel on Injury Reserve after the player’s neck injury last week became potentially life-threatening.
Powell, who is expected to undergo surgery at some point in the future, average 4.3 yards per carry in 80 rushing attempts this season. He suffered the injury in quarter two of the Jets’ loss to the Vikings last week. He did not return after his injury.
On Wednesday, Coach Todd Bowles confirmed Powell’s injury was so serious it needed surgery. And even then, the running back may be forced to end the career to avoid further injuries.
“It’s possible, Bowles said of Powell’s career being jeopardized by the injury. “We’ll see how the surgery goes.”
Injury Similar to Playmate’s
Powell has described his injury as a bulging disk, the kind of injury receiver and fellow Jets’ player Quincy Enunwa suffered last season. The receiver has already made a full recovery and is playing for his team. Despite that, there is no guarantee the running back’s injury will follow the same success.
Bowles is worried Powell’s injury may be worse than earlier thought considering it’s not the first time it is happening.
“This may be worse, we’ll see,” he said. “It’s not the first time it’s come up. It’s been a recurring injury. This time it happened to be bad.”
Powell is one of the most respected players in the Jets’ roster. He was drafted in 2011, two years before the next player in the current team was brought in. With the 29-year-old serving his final contract, it’s highly likely he will never play for the Jets again. He will also turn 30 years on Saturday, meaning he will be 30+ by the time he recovers.
