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New York Jets Coordinator Casts His Vote for Breece Hall as Team's Bell Cow Running Back
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- New York Jets Coordinator Casts His Vote for Breece Hall as Team's Bell Cow Running Back
New York Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich has potentially created a controversy over just who is the bell cow of the team's running backs.
Breece Hall is just about ready to be activated after spending five games on the shelf with a quad muscle injury. Hall sustained that in Week 3 against Detroit, and while he's teased about being ready for the last two games, it's clear that his return is imminent.
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But in his absence, running back Braelon Allen has seized the day, and has established himself as one of the top running backs in the league.
After missing most of the 2025 season with a knee injury, he has come roaring back. He set a personal record in his last game with 147 rushing yards, bowling over defenders and adding a touchdown.
It's a delicate balance for the Jets. On the one hand, they signed Hall to a three-year deal for $45.75 million, $29 million of it guaranteed. On the other hand, they're miles away from playoff contention, and thus have no need of the luxury afforded by two high-end running backs.
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Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has dismissed suggestions that the Jets would trade Hall before the league's trade deadline. But it's ultimately the call by General Manager Darren Mougey that counts.
Meanwhile, Reich has stepped onto the side of Team Breece Hall.
"That's coach's decision, but to me … Breece is our guy. I'm assuming Breece is our guy, you know what I mean? He's one of the best in the NFL, but I think what's been so exciting is like, oh my gosh, we've got two of them. I mean, we've got two. This Braelon guy, he's a beast as well."
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Reich may have an out, at least for the coming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen racked up most of his yards in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders, and was seen walking gingerly on the sideline in the second half, when the Jets switched their attack to the passing side.
If he's hurting, the Jets may go with Hall and Isaiah Davis, who has seen extremely spotty duty this season, but always seems to pick up five yards at a pop.
Whoever the Jets choose, there's only one ball to carry per possession, even with the talk of a two-headed backfield. There are decisions to be made, particularly as the 2-6 Jets appear far from contention in a league where running backs have a short shelf-life.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
