Jets Concerns At Tailback
by: Dan Leberfeld
At practice last Sunday, Jets starting tailback Thomas Jones strained his right calf muscle.
This is probably a four-to-six week injury.
However, Jets coach Eric Mangini told WFAN's Mike Francesa that Jones is day-to-day, and hasn't ruled out using the runner against the Vikings.
It would be a little irresponsible for the coach to play Jones. He can hardly walk.
Let's assume he doesn't play. The Jets tailback situation is a little bit of a concern right now sans Jones.
The backup tailback is Leon Washington, but he's also the team's punt returner, part-time kick returner, and multi-purpose back. He serves too many roles to be overused at tailback. He's best suited for 8-10 carries a game.
The Jets right now have three other tailbacks on the roster ???????? rookies Danny Ware and Alvin Banks, along with former Houston Texan Tony Hollings.
Ware was the Jets leading rusher in the first preseason game. Banks performance was unimpressive last year. He needs to show more patience.
The guy we need to see more of against Minnesota is Hollings, who is coming off a solid season in NFL Europe.
If Jones isn't ready for the opener, the team could use a player with more experience than Ware and Banks, and Hollings could be that guy.
