New York Jets‘ star running back Breece Hall has made an encouraging comeback from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While he will be limited during practice, Hall’s return brings a renewed sense of optimism for the team. The timing of his return coincides with the signing of Dalvin Cook, a move aimed at sharing the workload as Hall eases back into game rhythm.
In a promising rookie season, Hall showcased his potential until his campaign was abruptly halted by a ruptured ACL and meniscus injury to his left knee during Week 7 of the previous season. Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh has been unwavering in his assertion that Hall would be back in action for Week 1 of the upcoming fall season.
Interestingly, the acquisition of Cook led some to speculate about the progress of Hall’s recovery from his torn ACL. However, the opposite rings true. Cook is yet to be ready for practice, while Hall has marked his return. This aligns with Saleh’s earlier announcement on July 30, hinting that Hall could be back on the practice field within a couple of weeks.
Breece Hall’s Comeback Bolsters Jets’ Offensive Outlook
Now, the weeks have passed, and the young star is back in action. Despite the initial injury setback, the Jets have maintained confidence in Hall’s return for Week 1, a projection that seems to be on track. Hall’s absence had a palpable impact on the Jets’ offensive game last season, making his return a promising turn of events.
Saleh’s comments on Hall’s practice performance have been encouraging, noting that the running back’s speed matches his pre-injury levels, as tracked by the team’s GPS technology. Yet, it’s important to note that many running backs face challenges regaining their full form after ACL injuries. Dalvin Cook’s journey serves as a testament to this struggle.
Following his own ACL tear in 2017, Cook encountered initial challenges upon his return. With Cook now in the lineup, the Jets are better equipped to diversify their offensive strategy. This, coupled with depth in the form of Zonovan Knight, Michael Carter, and rookie Israel Abanikanda, diminishes the pressure on Hall to solely bear the offensive load.
