New York Jets running back Bilal Powell is officially inactive for the team’s Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills. Powell and Chris Ivory had been splitting time in the backfield, so his absence could force Ivory into a bigger role.
Jets will try to clinch playoff spot without Bilal Powell
Chris Ivory will have a bigger workload as the Jets try to wrap up a postseason birth for the first time since 2010.
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Powell is dealing with an ankle injury. He got a limited practice on Wednesday but sat out the rest of the week, getting listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Should the Jets make the playoffs (they will clinch with either a win or a Pittsburgh Steelers loss), Powell could be ready for the Wild Card round.
Powell’s absence will be an underrated one, since he’s played a key part in the Jets’ surge towards the postseason, particularly in the passing game. Through 11 games, Powell has caught 47 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns, adding 313 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Powell sat out the Jets’ last contest against the Bills Nov. 12, which they lost 22-17.
The Jets will hope that Ivory can regain his early-season form. He’s been worn down by nagging injuries and reached 100 yards just once in the past 10 games, although he did rush for 99 yards the last time the Jets faced the Bills in Week 10.
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