Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets thought they had found their starting running back when they traded for Chris Ivory during the 2013 NFL Draft.
He had 22 carries for only 67 yards in the first two games combined. Backup running back Bilal Powell carried the ball 25 times for 77 yards and a touchdown. Although Ivory was listed as the No. 1 back on the depth chart, Powell was the more effective back.
In Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, Ivory injured his hamstring after rushing just four times. Powell took over and rushed for 149 yards on 27 carries. The Jets were a much better team with Powell carrying the ball. Ivory sat out Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans. Powell had a more modest game with 108 total yards.
All of this took place while newly-signed running back Mike Goodson served a four-game suspension.
Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons was the first time fans saw all three backs in action. Goodson was the most effective, rushing for 32 yards on just three carries (10.66 ypc). However, Powell was the more featured back, carrying the ball 12 times. Ivory had four carries for 27 yards; most of it came from a 19-yard rush.
With the workload being split up like that, Powell owners are checking the waiver wire for a more featured back. One week it can be Powell and the next it could be Goodson with a little bit of Ivory mixed in. Even if the matchup looks good for the Jets’ backfield, would you risk starting one of them?
If you were to own and start a Jets running back, it would have to be Powell for now. Goodson is getting back in the swing of things after being out for four games, and Ivory is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Ivory is worth owning in some deeper leagues, while Goodson should remain a free agent for the time being.
However, continue to keep an eye out for reports to see if head coach Rex Ryan makes a decision on who his starting running back will be in the coming weeks.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
