Jets Q&A: What happened to Breece Hall?
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets is carted off the field after an apparent injury following a play against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Empower Field At Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Dustin Bradford
How serious is Breece Hall’s injury?
The fear is that the impressive Jets’ rookie running back suffered a season-ending ACL injury when he was tackled in the second quarter of the Jets’ win over the Broncos.
“Doesn’t look good,” Robert Saleh said. “The initial diagnosis isn’t good.”
Hall will be re-evaluated on Monday. Saleh is trying to remain optimistic.
“I’m not going to count him out,” he said. “We’ll see tomorrow and I’m going to stay as optimistic as I can for him. He’s a heck of a football player. When you lose great football players it’s not good.”
Hall leads the Jets in rushing yards, scrimmage yards and touchdowns. The Jets will turn to Michael Carter and Ty Johnson to carry the load in the backfield now. Bam Knight could be elevated from the practice squad if the Jets need another back.
How serious are the other injuries?
Receiver Corey Davis left in the first half with a knee injury. Right tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker didn’t play in the second half because of an elbow issue. More will be known Monday after both players are re-evaluated.
Saleh indicated that with Davis he’s “not concerned” that it’s anything long term. Davis, who hurt blocking someone, said he tried to come back but it just didn’t feel right. Davis doesn’t think it’s anything serious.
“Get it looked at tomorrow and go from there,” Davis said. “The way I feel right now I don’t think it’s too major. We’ll see.”
How impressive has Sauce Gardner been?
The rookie corner has been extremely impressive. Gardner broke up a couple of passes in the end zone, one to Jerry Jeudy and another to Courtland Sutton late in the game that could have tied it.
Saleh said Gardner could develop into someone that teams don’t throw at anymore.
“He’s playing at a very high level and teams are going to test him,” he said. “The next step he’s got to take is he’s got to go take one. He’s got to take the ball. Once he starts taking the ball he will be eliminated from the progression.”
How did Denzel Mims do in his first action of the 2022?
Mims was targeted twice and caught one pass for 4 yards, but his real contribution was a big block on Hall’s 62-yard touchdown run.
“He’s the one who sprung him free,” Saleh said.
Mims was active for the first time because Elijah Moore was inactive after a blow up directed at coordintor Mike LaFleur for his lack of involvement in the offense. Moore requested a trade. Ironically, this would have been a game in which Moore got targets.
Before the season, Mims requested a trade. He said he’s not thinking about that with the Nov. 1 trade deadline looming.
“I’m not worried about it. I’m just leaving it to my agent,” Mims said. “All I want to do is continue to win football games and play. As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”
Who else was inactive beside Moore?
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert was inactive for the second consecutive game, along with quarterback Mike White, safety Ashtyn Davis, cornerback Bryce Hall and defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
