Jets' veteran RB workout should spark concern about Isaiah Davis injury

The New York Jets worked out veteran running back Jerome Ford on Monday, per the NFL's transaction wire. The former 2022 fifth-round draft pick spent the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns and signed with the Washington Commanders this past offseason.

Ford was waived as part of final 53-man roster cuts and has since been looking for a new home. Throughout 57 career games, the former Alabama and Cincinnati standout has rushed for over 1,463 yards on 340 carries and scored seven touchdowns.

As a serviceable veteran, Ford should be able to find a team at some point. Whether or not the Jets will end up being that team remains to be seen, and it may have something to do with current injuries at the position.

Both Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis, New York's first- and third-string running backs, have been nursing injuries since August. Hall was ruled out of preseason action with a groin injury, while Davis continues to rehab from a banged-up knee.

Is Jerome Ford's workout a bad sign for New York Jets RB Isaiah Davis?

Hall seems more likely to return sooner rather than later, but if Davis is still banged up, it makes sense that the Jets would need some more depth at running back. Hall has been spotted recently in individual drills on a side field, and Aaron Glenn stressed multiple times that he should be back in time for Week 1.

But that doesn't change the fact that New York needs depth at running back, and while Braelon Allen has had a good summer, you can't just rely on two players alone. That's where Davis has come in to play in recent Jets history.

With Davis' status murky thanks to injury, it makes sense that New York is looking to make an addition at running back. The only player they have on the roster is Kene Nwangwu, and his touches are best utilized as a returner.

What other free agent running backs are out there for the New York Jets?

If not Ford, there are several other names available that the Jets could turn to if they didn't like what they saw from the ex-Browns running back.

Antonio Gibson, most recently with the New England Patriots, has yet to find a new home this offseason and has experience as a returner. He could be a player the Jets use to fill the void left by Davis while he recovers.

It's important to note that signing a veteran running back right now would cost very little, and it wouldn't impact the Jets much besides taking up a spot on the practice squad.

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