Jets’ Bilal Powell misses practice again; Chris Ivory limited

Bilal Powell, who has been a big contributor during the Jets' five-game winning streak, did not practice Thursday because of an ankle injury. Credit: Mike Stobe
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets’ backfield is banged up at the worst possible time.
For the second straight day, running back Bilal Powell — one of their biggest contributors during their current five-game winning streak — did not practice because of an ankle injury. No. 1 back Chris Ivory (knee) also was limited after sitting out practice the day before.
Powell has provided a significant boost on offense since a high-ankle sprain forced him to miss Weeks 7-10, a stretch in which the Jets went 1-3. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to suit up against the Bills on Sunday.
“As the week goes on, it’s always a concern, but we still have [Friday] and Saturday, so I’m optimistic,” coach Todd Bowles said when asked about the status of Powell, as well as right tackle Breno Giacomini (ankle) and tight end Kellen Davis (foot), who did not practice.
Though Giacomini said he’s currently “day-to-day,” if the Jets had been playing the Thursday night game, he said, “I think I could play.” Ivory said “I’ll be fine,” adding: “I’ll have a better idea once it gets closer to game day.”
Not too much NYE fun
Bowles is no baby-sitter, but he did tell his players not to get too wild on New Year’s Eve. “We talked about it after practice,” he said. “We understand you can’t let one night ruin what you’re going into this weekend. Whether it’s a regular game or playoff game . . . You can’t baby-sit them all. They can run out. It’s New York City. You can have fun and do everything you need to do, but understand what you have ahead of you and what you’re coming into tomorrow.”
Jet streams
Linebacker Calvin Pace (abdomen) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (toe) were limited, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb/right elbow/back) practiced fully.