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2026 NFL backfield

New York Jets running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Braelon Allen

Preferred handcuff

Isaiah Davis

Davis is the only back left behind Allen

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Braelon Allen’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Today's Week 7 inactive list names RB Breece Hall and RB Kene Nwangwu among the Jets' inactives, and the league's pregame injury roundup reports Hall (quad) was expected to miss this game before being ruled inactive. Braelon Allen is therefore the de facto starter, and with Chip Trayanum on injured reserve, Davis is the only other scrimmage back dressed. Davis is free almost everywhere; for him to matter Allen would have to leave the game, and the warning is clear - when Hall sat in Week 4 Allen took every Jets running-back carry and Davis got none. Fact: inactives and depth. Projection: Davis would be a committee body, not a lead back.

Breece Hall (quad) and Kene Nwangwu are both inactive for Week 7 against Miami, Hall's fourth straight absence; no injured-reserve move has been reported and his MRI was clean, so this reads multi-week rather than season-ending and he is worth holding in redraft and dynasty while the return timetable stays unknown. Braelon Allen has absorbed essentially all the running-back work - 74 carries for 314 yards - and is the actionable start. Isaiah Davis is the contingency only if Allen goes down.

Starter note from the published board: Listed starter Breece Hall is Inactive; Braelon Allen steps in.

  • availability_unverified
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  • stale_availability
  • conflicting_availability
  • thin_profile
  • allen_took_every_carry
  • no_role_when_hall_sat
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  • hall_return_unknown

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to New York Jets, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

The feed lists Breece Hall at RB1; the dated board names Braelon Allen as starter. Review the sourced explanation above for this disagreement. Feed order is preserved below.

New York Jets full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Breece Hall		Three-down back2022 · Round 2 · Pick 36active
RB2
Braelon AllenPublished starter		Three-down back2024 · Round 4 · Pick 134active
RB3
Isaiah DavisPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2024 · Round 5 · Pick 173active
RB4
Kene Nwangwu		Change-of-pace back2021 · Round 4 · Pick 119active
RB5
Chip Trayanum		Role under review2026 · Undraftedinjured reserve
Unlisted
Al-Jay Henderson		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Andrew Beck		FullbackDraft history unavailableactive

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Breece Hall

Age 25 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Out for a fourth straight game: inactive Oct. 25 vs. Miami despite limited practices and a Questionable tag. No IR move and the MRI was clean, so this stays multi-week rather than season-ending - hold in dynasty, in redraft only if you can carry the bench week. Braelon Allen remains the actionable Jets back. Return timetable unknown.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Braelon Allen. The dated board currently prefers Isaiah Davis for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The saved assessment describes a back suited to rushing and passing situations. That broader skill set could help him stay on the field when the starter is absent, though the team can still split the work.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 2 · Pick 36

Drafted by NYJ; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 51 carries and 10 receptions on 10 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Three-down back

Braelon Allen

Age 22 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Material change: he is running the Jets' backfield. With Breece Hall out since Week 3 with a quad, Allen took every Jets running-back carry in Week 4 (14 for 59 yards, two catches for eight) and ran a route on 14 of 19 drop backs. Hall was ruled out again for Week 5 and is described as week to week, so Allen is the lead back for now; no date is set for Hall's return.

Scouting assessment saved Sun, Oct 11, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Breece Hall. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 4 · Pick 134

Drafted by NYJ; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 7 recorded games include 91 carries and 15 receptions on 20 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Early-down runner

Isaiah Davis

Age 24 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Material change in the wrong direction: with Hall out in Week 4, Braelon Allen took every Jets running-back carry, which left Davis without one. The injury that opened the job did not open it for him, so the committee framing no longer holds while Hall is out - Davis is the third man and a contingency only if Allen also goes down. Still efficient on a small career sample.

Scouting assessment saved Sun, Oct 11, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Braelon Allen. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 5 · Pick 173

Drafted by NYJ; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 10 carries and 5 receptions on 6 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Change-of-pace back

Kene Nwangwu

Age 28 · 6 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Kickoff-return specialist rather than a running back: he re-signed for that role and has almost no offensive usage. Material update - the back injury that cost him the first three games has resolved and he practiced fully before Week 4 with no designation, putting him in line for his season debut. The return helps Jets special teams, not the backfield; Braelon Allen absorbs Hall's carries.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 3, 3:53 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Braelon Allen. The dated board currently prefers Isaiah Davis for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2021 · Round 4 · Pick 119

Drafted by MIN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 0 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB5 · Role under review

Chip Trayanum

Age 24 · Rookie · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Undrafted rookie who has been on injured reserve since Aug. 30 following a frightening neck injury in the preseason finale. He has never taken an NFL regular-season snap and no return timetable has been made public, so he is not a factor in 2026. Treat dynasty interest as on hold pending clarity on the neck rather than as a talent judgement.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Braelon Allen. The dated board currently prefers Isaiah Davis for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Al-Jay Henderson

Rookie · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Undrafted rookie from Buffalo (1,078 rushing yards and 9 TD in 2024) and the only running back on the Jets' initial 2026 practice squad. He is behind Hall, Allen and Davis with no offensive role, and would need several injuries above him to be elevated. A depth name to note rather than a stash.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Braelon Allen. The dated board currently prefers Isaiah Davis for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Fullback

Andrew Beck

Age 30 · 7 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Veteran fullback re-signed by the Jets on March 12, 2026 to serve as the main backfield blocker and a core special-teamer. He is a lead blocker and H-back, not a ball carrier, and has no path to backfield touches even if the Jets' runners get hurt. Healthy and off the Week 3 injury report.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Braelon Allen. The dated board currently prefers Isaiah Davis for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 1 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Braelon Allen
7911549310.9
Isaiah Davis
6105972.5
Al-Jay Henderson
—————
Andrew Beck
310-1-0.0
Breece Hall
3511026514.2
Chip Trayanum
—————
Kene Nwangwu
30000.0
Braelon Allen: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 26 touches
Wk 37 touches
Wk 416 touches
Wk 525 touches
Wk 619 touches
Wk 723 touches
Isaiah Davis: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 20 touches
Wk 30 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 53 touches
Wk 68 touches
Wk 74 touches
Andrew Beck: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 20 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 71 touches
Breece Hall: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 124 touches
Wk 221 touches
Wk 316 touches
Kene Nwangwu: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 40 touches
Wk 50 touches
Wk 60 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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