NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Jets Down Four Offensive Starters Ahead of Bears Matchup

The New York Jets will face the Chicago Bears without four key offensive starters, including running back Breece Hall.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Severe Injury Blows for the Offense

The New York Jets are trying to snap a two game losing streak. They will have to do it on the road against the Chicago Bears without four offensive starters. Running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor, and left guard Dylan Parham are all out. None of them practiced this week.

Hall hurt his quadriceps and Parham injured his knee during last week's 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions. Mitchell and Taylor missed that game too. The Jets rushing attack has struggled lately, gaining only 125 yards over the last two games.

Next Men Up in the Lineup

Braelon Allen will start in place of Hall. Allen has 19 carries for 61 yards and one touchdown this year. He has never rushed more than 12 times in a single game. "It's exciting to know there's going to be a little more on my plate," Allen said. Isaiah Davis is expected to get his first offensive snaps as well.

Jordan Meredith will fill in for Parham at left guard. Meredith has 20 career starts but is coming off a tough game where he missed a blitz pick up that caused a sack fumble.

At receiver, Isaiah Williams and Sterling Shepard will step up. The Jets plan to bring Shepard up from the practice squad. They are thin at wideout with Omar Cooper Jr., Tim Patrick, and Arian Smith on injured reserve. At tight end, rookie Kenyon Sadiq will see more targets after catching seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown last week.

Defense Gets Healthy

While the offense is banged up, the defense is getting healthier. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is returning after missing two games with a groin injury.

The Jets will have 10 of their 11 defensive starters on the field. The only missing starter on defense is tackle David Onyemata, who is on injured reserve.

Despite the setbacks, offensive coordinator Frank Reich remains focused. Reich said the team will not get emotionally hijacked by results, adding that the best teams focus on the process to get results.

What it means for the next game

New York Jets at Chicago Bears (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): Chicago Bears win 60%, New York Jets win 40%; projected score Chicago Bears 23, New York Jets 18. Our safest pick: Bears +3.5.

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New York Jets win 53%, Cleveland Browns win 47%; projected score New York Jets 21, Cleveland Browns 19. Our safest pick: Under 46.5 points.