Davis the “early favorite” for Jets’ RB2 role

Glenn reportedly wanted to use his backfield in a similar fashion last season before Allen went down in Week 4, according to an article published by ESPN. This would be potentially brutal news for fantasy managers eyeing Breece Hall in drafts, although it is worth pointing out that in the three complete games both Hall and Allen played together, Hall appeared on 59 percent of the team’s snaps while Allen played on 29 percent of snaps, and Davis just 15 percent. Hall also had 51 total opportunities over that span, while Allen and Davis combined for 22 opportunities. Time will tell if Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich really do lean into this “three-headed monster” idea, but it’s hard to imagine Hall, who recently signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract, losing enough work to be forced out of the mix as a fringe RB1/RB2 given his three-down skillset. That said, both Allen and Davis could serve as viable late-round handcuffs for Hall should he ever miss time.

Despite adding 15 pounds since entering the NFL, Allen said this is the lowest his body fat percentage has ever been. Allen missed most of the 2025 season with a knee injury that eventually required surgery. At this point, it sounds like his recovery is complete. Head coach Aaron Glenn talked up his potential in the passing game, though he said that he views Breece Hall, Allen, and Isaiah Davis as a “three-headed monster.” Allen could have some minor stand-alone value as a short-yardage back this year, but the presence of Davis will likely prevent him from making much of an impact on the redraft fantasy landscape.

Allen suffered a knee injury in Week 4 of last season, which was classified as “pretty serious” by head coach Aaron Glenn at the time. Despite the team’s hope that Allen could return at some point in the season, the injury proved to be season-ending and required surgery to correct. Allen saw 21 opportunities in the four games he appeared in for the Jets last season and rushed for 92-334-2 as a rookie in 2024. While he figures to earn the RB2 role behind Breece Hall for this season, we wouldn’t expect Allen to have much standalone value as long as Hall is healthy.

When asked if Hall will play, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, “we’ll see.” Glenn has played coy with most start-sit decisions in the Jets’ 3-13 season. No reason to stop now. Hall logged just two limited sessions to close the week. He is scheduled to enter free agency at the end of the season. Preserving his health for free agency could be the smart move. He may wish to put his stamp on the season with a strong showing, though. It would be difficult to project his playing time if he is active. Treat him as a volatile RB2 if he suits up. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), has been ruled out, leaving Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert behind Hall.

Davis never really had a sustained run where he looked to potentially be the lead back in his second season, finishing with a 43/236/1 line on the ground and never crossing the 10-carry threshold. It’s likely that if Breece Hall isn’t brought back, Davis will remain behind Braelon Allen (knee) on the depth chart to open 2026. Davis could grow into a bigger receiving role if Hall leaves, making him a potential Kenny Gainwell-type player next year and someone who could be on the draft radar in what, well, doesn’t look like a very good team at the moment.

It’s looking unlikely that Davis will be cleared for Week 18 given the lack of practice — it suggests he’s still in the beginning stages of the protocol. If he rests, Khalil Herbert will likely see backup reps behind Breece Hall against the Bills on Sunday.

Starting RB Breece Hall (knee) was also sidelined by a knee injury, though he told reporters post-game that his knee is fine. Whether he can play on Sunday remains to be seen. Jets RB Kene Nwangwu (quad) is listed as the next man up, with RB Khalil Herbert seated behind him on the depth chart. Nwangwu is practicing fully.

Davis suffered the brain injury on a kickoff at the top of the fourth quarter. He was initially listed as questionable to return. The team later ruled him out. Kene Nwangwu took his spot in the lineup. Breece Hall suffered a knee injury late in the contest as well. Nwangwu could draw the start if Davis and Hall can’t go.

Davis once again operated as the team’s RB2 behind Breece Hall, though it was Davis who was Brady Cook’s preferred pass-catching option out of the backfield. Davis reeled in four of his five targets; AD Mitchell was the only Jets pass catcher with more targets (six) on the day. Davis logged 17 pass routes to 22 routes for Hall, who managed one reception. Despite the decent usage, Davis won’t be a fantasy play in Week 17 against the Patriots.

With the Jets coming out of their bye week, there was a chance Davis could see more work. Instead, he got out-touched 22-4 by Breece Hall. The Jets wanted this to be a two-back backfield, but Davis is not making it possible in Braelon Allen’s absence. He’s a shaky hold in 12-team leagues with the playoffs drawing closer.