Possible targets for Jets as replacement for injured RB Breece Hall
In Sunday's 16-9 win over the Denver Broncos, Jets running back Breece Hall suffered a torn ACL -- a brutal blow for the star rookie, who will miss the rest of the season. Now New York must decide how to replace him.
Michael Carter (228 yards) is the Jets' second-leading rusher behind Hall (463 yards). If general manager Joe Douglas elects to make a trade, running backs are available before the Nov. 1 trade deadline.
Rams head coach Sean McVay all but confirmed last week that Cam Akers is on the trading block. The second-round pick was solid in his rookie season in 2020, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. However, after suffering a torn Achilles before the 2021 season, his production has dropped significantly.
Akers has averaged only three yards per rush this season. That and his lack of production in the passing game (two catches in five games) make it hard to envision him as a replacement for Hall, who had 19 receptions for 218 yards before he was injured.
Douglas could put in calls to Jacksonville for James Robinson, a solid running back who may be on the trading block because the Jaguars' coaching staff wants to feature 2021 first-round pick Travis Etienne.
Robinson has averaged 4.2 yards per rush this season and is more adept in the passing game than Akers, hauling in 31 receptions in 14 games last season. He had no rushing attempts in the Jaguars' loss on Sunday to the Giants.
Per reports, Cleveland's Kareem Hunt is available and probably the best replacement for Hall.
He has averaged four yards per attempt and is a good receiver (15 receptions in seven games) as a backup to star Nick Chubb. Of the backs who may be available, Hunt is the best home run threat.
However, he has had issues off the field, including domestic violence. Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have emphasized that they want "character guys" in their locker room, something that could possibly limit interest in Hunt.
More must-reads: