Powell getting chance to show skills
Bilal Powell with a run during Jets training camp. (Aug. 19, 2011) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Bilal Powell has been under the radar for most of training camp, serving as the understudy in a Jets backfield that's already loaded.
That all changes a bit come Sunday.
Shonn Greene, the guy expected to spearhead the Jets' rushing attack in 2011, has been ruled out of their preseason matchup with the Bengals because of a skin infection. The Jets said Greene was having a callous on his foot shaved when he pointed to a separate area on his foot that was giving him trouble.
The team said Greene has been responding well to treatment and antibiotics and expects the third-year running back in the mix next week.
So with Greene sidelined, veteran LaDainian Tomlinson probably not playing more than one quarter and Joe McKnight coming off a concussion, there's a good chance Jets fans will be hearing Powell's name called often over the New Meadowlands Stadium public-address system Sunday.
"Bilal, his role is definitely going to increase," running backs coach Anthony Lynn said Friday. "He's going to play a lot."
Drafted in the fourth round out of Louisville in April, Powell displayed some of his skills in the Jets' preseason opener on Monday, gaining 52 yards on 12 touches. He ran nine times for 25 yards and was targeted as a receiver on five occasions, grabbing three passes for 27 yards.
"I thought he executed," Lynn said. "He didn't make a lot of mistakes, he ran hard, he blocked well. There were some little detail things technique wise that we can clean up and do a little better, but he was good enough in that first preseason game to win with and I was happy to see that."
Powell, who declined an interview request Friday and hasn't spoken much during training camp, is considered a combo-type back. At 5-10, 204 pounds, he has the size to run with power and also has the speed to break off a long run.
He also has become more adept at catching the ball out of the backfield and quickly has picked up the scheme -- two qualities that have left an impression early in camp.
"Bilal has shown great flashes," Tomlinson said. "As any young player, it's about learning the offense so he can play fast and show what he can do. But in the things that he has been able to pick up and learn, we've seen flashes that Bilal can be a very good player in this league."
And Powell's shot could come sooner than he thinks.
"I do see him contributing on special teams and playing and helping us in the backfield at some point this season, no different than when Shonn came in," Lynn said. "His opportunity came. Bilal has to be ready and prepared for the same opportunity."
Notes & quotes: WR Derrick Mason (knee) and QB Mark Brunell (calf) came up gimpy in practice Friday and are questionable for Sunday . . . WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) should be a full go . . . C Nick Mangold (stinger) is expected to play . . . RG Brandon Moore (hip), DT Marcus Dixon (knee swelling), NT Sione Pouha (knee), and LB Bart Scott (lower leg) are out . . . Josh Mauga will start in Scott's place, Vladimir Ducasse starts at right guard for Moore, and Martin Tevaseu will start at nose tackle for Pouha.
