New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, sidelining him for an estimated 8 to 12 weeks, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Friday. Allen sustained the injury while returning a kickoff on Monday night and is currently weighing whether to undergo surgery for what is believed to be an MCL injury.
“There are two paths he can take,” Glenn explained. “He can either rehab it or have surgery to clean it up, but the recovery time will be about the same. That decision is up to him and his agent — it’s not mine to make.”
Earlier in the week, Glenn described the injury as “pretty serious,” but delayed setting a timeline as Allen sought a second medical opinion. Now, with a clearer picture, the earliest expected return would be in early December, though he could also miss the rest of the season.
This is a significant blow for the Jets, who remain winless at 0-4 and depend heavily on their rushing attack, currently ranked third in the NFL. Allen, who has rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries this season, serves as the team’s primary power back, often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
With Allen sidelined, starter Breece Hall—who leads the team with 238 yards on 52 carries—may see an increased workload. Isaiah Davis, typically the third-down back, is expected to step up as the No. 2 running back. While Davis (five carries for 27 yards) lacks Allen’s power, he offers superior speed and agility.
The Jets’ depth at running back remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Kene Nwangwu, who would normally fill the No. 3 role, is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is a game-time decision, according to Glenn.
To bolster the roster, the Jets signed veteran Khalil Herbert from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad on Thursday. Herbert, a former Chicago Bears draft pick, has accumulated 1,905 rushing yards over four seasons and can also return kicks. Additionally, on Friday, the Jets added former Atlanta Falcons draft pick Avery Williams to the practice squad, who is also known for his return skills.
