After missing extended action in training camp due to a neck injury, Bilal Powell returned to full participation on Tuesday for the Jets.
“It’s good to get his feet wet,” said head coach Todd Bowles. “You know he’s missed some time now, so he’s got a lot of catching up to do but it’s good to see him out there.”
Powell got a lot contact upon his return. After he received the first two carries in a 9-on-7 drill, Powell darted for a sizeable gain on the team’s second snap in a team period. He later absorbed a big hit while blocking Mike ‘backer Demario Davis, providing veteran QB Josh McCown just enough time to complete a pass.
“He had fresh legs, that’s the first thing,” Bowles said of Powell. “Other than that, he’s just got to get caught up to speed, just get used to the blocking schemes and everything else. But he was fresh, so that’s about all he can do right now.”
In red zone work, McCown took advantage of Powell’s receiving ability with consecutive completions to get the offense down inside the 10.
“It’s great to have him in there. What he can do out of the backfield catching the football is an asset,” McCown said. “ And when he’s on the field, they know it so there is extra awareness. It opens up other lanes, but it also gives you an opportunity to get him the ball and put it in his hands and let him make plays.”
