Joe Tippmann reveals why Jets fans should have hope in run game despite Breece Hall injury

Perhaps in part because he helped Breece Hall secure his first 1,000-yard season last year, few were surprised when New York Jets right guard Joe Tippmann earned an extension this past June.

Sunday’s trip to Chicago presents a perfect opportunity for Tippmann to justify his new four-year, $62 million contract. Although veteran quarterback Geno Smith has been phenomenal in his return to New York, we can’t say the same for the Jets’ rushing offense; they enter Week 4 averaging 92.3 yards per game (No. 26 league-wide) and 3.26 yards per carry (No. 30) amid their 1-2 start.

Hall suffered a quad injury against the Detroit Lions last weekend, and the Jets ruled him out on Friday morning. It's a good thing, then, that Tippmann has plenty of faith in Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen, the latter of whom he played with at Wisconsin. 

“The way Isaiah runs, we were able to see that late last season, the physicality that he runs with,” Tippmann said. “It's not the same style as Braelon, but just the physicality and speed he runs with is impressive."

Are Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis the New York Jets’ key to defeating the Chicago Bears?

It’s been a mixed bag thus far for Allen, who rushed for 40 yards on 10 carries in the Week 1 win against Robert Saleh’s Titans. Although he scored a touchdown in Week 2, he’s managed only 32 yards on 13 touches (21 rushing, 11 receiving) during the Jets’ two-game losing streak.

Davis hasn't yet played an offensive snap, and all of his work has come on special teams. Hall and Allen are the only two running backs who have carried the ball. It’s surprising the Jets haven’t given Davis a chance, especially after third-stringer Kene Nwangwu missed the first three games with a back injury.

Last Sunday saw Allen take on a greater role in the passing game, though, and his three catches marked his most since December 8, 2024. Jets coach Aaron Glenn said this past spring that the Jets intended to use Allen more as a receiver before his September 2025 knee injury.

Hall has also benefited from Frank Reich’s offense, and his 10 catches for 102 yards put him well on pace to top last year's 36 catches for 350 yards. 

Barring any last-second roster moves, Nwangwu and Al-Jay Henderson are the only other healthy running backs in the Jets' organization; Nwangwu’s primary value comes as a returner, and Henderson, an undrafted rookie, is on the practice squad. 

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