5 NY Jets players to watch in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game

4. All NY Jets running backs

With Breece Hall still sidelined, the Jets are expected to feature all five of the other running backs on their roster in Thursday's game. Their performance could have a direct impact on the team's plans in free agency.

The Jets remain heavily involved in the market for four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook. Cook met with the Jets this past weekend, and the two sides remain in contact. One would imagine that Cook and the Jets will be keeping a close eye on how the team's running backs perform on Thursday.

The likes of Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and Israel Abanikanda will all look to make their case to be the team's primary backup running back behind Hall. Moreover, they're each looking to prove why the Jets don't need to sign Cook.

In the case of Carter and Knight, they're likely fighting for their jobs. If the Jets were to sign Cook, one of either Carter or Knight would probably be the odd man out. That adds even more intrigue to Thursday's game.

The Jets are also high on Abanikanda and believe he has the ability to contribute early in his career. He has had a few issues with drops and fumbles this summer, but his speed and explosiveness are hard to overlook.

Carter is probably the player with the most to gain/lose. He's been outplayed by Knight this summer and could really use a big game to solidify his place on the roster.

Each running back on the Jets' roster has something to prove Thursday night.