Mike Goodson is back on the practice field for the first time since getting handed a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. While the New York Jets are certainly happy to have their free agent acquisition back, it throws the running back rotation off a bit. While Bilal Powell was just starting to get in his groove as the starter, Goodson could possible throw things off.
Powell was beginning to show he can handle being a top running back. After Goodson was suspended and Chris Ivory got hurt, Powell took of the run game. He has been averaging at least 73 yards per game, tying him with Arian Foster for second place in the AFC. Through four games, Powell has put up 262 yards and a touchdown on 66 carries. More importantly, fantasy owners were just starting to drink his Kool-Aid.
With Geno Smith under center, the Jets do not have the most graceful offense. Not to mention their wide receiving corps is extremely inconsistent. The run game is relied on heavily. Against the Buffalo Bills, Powell put up 149 yards on 27 carries. He sits in the top 10 of running backs this season in yards after contact, meaning he can create plays on his own. He also has proven to be extremely versatile, having nine multi-catch games in his career.
There is some hesitation around Powell after a down performance against the Tennessee Titans, but the entire Jets offense struggled, taking blame off the running back. However, as Powell begins his rise, Goodson intends to come back and be the starter.
"Words can't even express how excited I am," Goodson said, via ESPN.com. "Just to be able to be out there, we just had a walk-through to be back out there with my teammates, even just watching them go through a walk-through, being able to be out there is cool. Just a spark, hopefully a spark. Wherever they choose to place me."
Goodson admits he has no idea how the Jets intend on using him, but insists that he is ready for the team's Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons. Rex Ryan has yet to address the new rotation. So where does this leave Powell? The running back has been the most consistent offensive performer for the Jets. New York understands how reliable he is and he intends on keeping it that way, Goodson or not.
"I just come in and work hard every day and try to let my abilities on the field speak for itself," Powell said. "It's good that the coaches notice my hard work during the offseason and training camp, and give me the opportunities to get the carries."
Powell should remain the better fantasy option. Owners should not jump so quickly onto the Goodson wagon just yet. Give the running back a week and see how the Jets use him. While he is a strong talent, he might not be his first week back.
