Bilal Powell ready to take next step in career

For the New York Jets with Matt Forte on the shelf, Bilal Powell demonstrated in preseason Week 2 that they are in very capable hands this season.

Just when it looked like we’d be getting our first look at running back Matt Forte in a New York Jets uniform, it was false advertising. All throughout the week head coach Todd Bowles said that it was “extremely unlikely” that Forte would play Friday night.

Geared up for the first time as a Jet. #JetUp pic.twitter.com/vyTe9kQf2D

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 19, 2016

Bowles did say it was unlikely, which is why it was such a big surprise seeing him active for the game. Although it ended up being just to see him in pads, coach Bowles talked about the strategy after the game, via the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

Why’d you have (Matt) Forte dress, if he wasn’t going to play?

I wanted him to get some warmup work. He needs to start getting work, every time he goes out there. You know, the more he gets used to his pads the better.

We know you were thinking about playing him, what held you back?

I still think he needs another week to get his legs up under him. We plan on reevaluating him next week.

When the Jets added Forte this offseason, they anticipated him playing a major role for them this season. With the nagging injuries, the Jets have had to rely upon the services of running back Bilal Powell.

In the first two preseason games, Powell has shown burst, great vision, and lateral movement at the second level. If Forte isn’t ready for the season opener, the Jets should feel confident that Powell can step in.

Powell was the underrated catalyst for this Jets’ offense late last season. He ended with a career-high in receptions (47) and also helped to spell Chris Ivory at times.

Powell isn’t a bell cow kind of tailback, but he is efficient. When he had the opportunity to be a starter he thrived, leading the AFC in rushing back in 2013.

must read: Will Matt Forte be Tomlinson 2.0 in 2016?

He’s going to get another chance to take the next step in his career if Forte is unable to stay healthy. With offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s offensive prowess, seeing Forte and Powell on the field at the same time could be magical.