Mike Goodson was signed by the New York Jets to help boost their struggling ground game. The former Oakland Raider came over to be the new workhorse for the team, something that had been lacking in recent years. However, an arrest and suspension delayed his start with the Jets and now an injury is ending his season early.
Per his Twitter, Goodson is officially out for the season after suffering an MCL and ACL tear in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury came when the running back was attempting to make a tackle following an interception late in game. He was then heped off the field and taken immediately to the locker room.
The quick end to Goodson's season came after a delayed start. The running back was suspended for the first four games of the year after violating the league's substance abuse policy. What was supposed to be a three-headed running back rotation for the Jets, there to bail out rookie Geno Smith, could now be down to just one.
The Jets find themselves suddenly short-handed after lead running back Bilal Powell went out with a shoulder injury. According to Powell, the injury is nothing serious. He took a hit and was forced to come out for a quick breather, but he will fine to go forward. If that is true, New York will rely on Powell and Chris Ivory to keep the ground game together. So who is the better option?
Powell has developed into a strong asset for the Jets offense. The third-year back has 360 rushing yards on the season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also has 137 yards receiving, averaging 9.1 yards per catch. Ivory has done well in limited action this year. The first-year Jet has 115 yards rushing, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He has yet to record a receiving stat.
Powell is the keeper back here. He will be the new full-time starter for New York. He is a more versatile back so his time on the field will only continue to increase. Ivory is good, but he will not get the playing time Powell will. Of course Powell's shoulder issue should be watched closely as the Jets play the Patriots this Sunday.
