Breece Hall Returns to Denver with No Playing-Time Restrictions
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets running back Breece Hall is set to return to Denver, the site of his football nightmare, with a healthy knee and a bigger workload. Coach Robert Saleh announced that Hall’s playing-time restrictions have been lifted, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills without limitations.
It was at Empower Field where the Jets’ promising 2022 season took a devastating turn. On October 23, Hall, who was having an outstanding rookie year, suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Although the Jets managed to defeat the Denver Broncos 16-9 in that game, they struggled without their dynamic runner, losing eight of their next ten games.
Hall made his comeback in the season opener this year, but his playing time has been limited to protect his surgically repaired knee. He has been averaging only eight carries and 22 snaps per game. However, Saleh’s recent announcement suggests that the Jets are ready to unleash Hall and utilize his talents to their fullest potential.
While Hall didn’t have much of a reaction to Saleh’s comment about playing time, he expressed his excitement about being able to play without any restrictions. Despite his limited opportunities, Hall has been incredibly efficient, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, which ranks second among qualified running backs. Only the Miami Dolphins’ Devon Achane has a higher average with 11.4 yards per carry.
The Jets have been dividing the workload between Hall, Dalvin Cook, and Michael Carter, with Hall emerging as the most explosive runner. He has already had impressive runs of 83 and 43 yards, the latter occurring in the Jets’ recent 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hall believes that his 43-yard run against the Chiefs should have resulted in a touchdown, and he takes pride in being a game-changer for his team. He recognizes the impact that a touchdown could have had on the momentum of the game and regrets not being able to convert that opportunity.
As Hall prepares for his return to Denver, he remains focused on the game itself and downplays any notion of poetic symmetry. He has rewatched the play that led to his injury a few times but claims that it doesn’t look like anything significant happened.
Before his injury, Hall was being touted as a potential candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In just seven games, he amassed 463 yards on 80 carries, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry. However, the award ultimately went to his teammate Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver.
Hall’s return to full health is a significant boost for the Jets, as he was making impactful plays before his injury. Center Connor McGovern acknowledges the importance of having Hall back at 100 percent and is excited about the possibilities he brings to the team.
Hall’s increased workload could potentially affect Dalvin Cook, the former Minnesota Vikings star who has struggled to find his rhythm this season. Cook, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract in the preseason, is currently averaging only 2.5 yards per rush, ranking last among qualified runners.
Saleh acknowledges that Cook wants more production and assures that the team is working on finding more opportunities for him. Cook’s GPS numbers indicate that he is getting faster and finding his stride, but he needs more chances to showcase his skills.
As Breece Hall returns to Denver, he is eager to make an impact and help lead the Jets to victory. With no playing-time restrictions holding him back, Hall has the opportunity to prove himself as one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. The Jets are counting on him to provide a much-needed spark to their offense and help turn their season around.