It looks as if the Jets will be very thin at running back on Sunday.
According to sources, MRI exams revealed Bilal Powell has a separated right shoulder and Joe McKnight a high left ankle sprain.
Jets coach Rex Ryan would not discuss the players’ injuries yesterday. A source said Powell will not play Sunday against the Patriots. McKnight has not been ruled out yet, but high ankle sprains normally keep a player out several weeks.
The Jets established the running game in their 35-9 triumph over the Colts. They rushed for 252 yards, and lead running back Shonn Greene established a new career high with 161 yards.
If McKnight can’t go, the Jets have only Greene and Jonathan Grimes at running back on their roster. The team could also use fullback Lex Hilliard some at tailback. He played both positions when he was on the Dolphins.
* The Jets’ run defense had its best day of the season on Sunday, holding the Colts to 41 yards. The Patriots present a much tougher challenge than the Colts, but the Jets’ defensive line has some confidence.
“The performance from Sunday just has to roll over,” defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson said. “We stopped them to [41] rushing yards. We just have to play physical up front and we won’t have no problem with New England running the ball.”
Ryan singled out Wilkerson for his play against the Colts. The second-year defensive lineman had seven tackles, one sack, a pass defended and a forced fumble.
“Muhammad Wilkerson had the type of game that we have been expecting from Mo, just a dominant performance,” Ryan said.
* Tight end Dustin Keller said he felt no problems with his right hamstring after playing his first game in five weeks on Sunday.
Ryan praised Keller and fellow tight end Jeff Cumberland for their blocking in the victory over the Colts.
“I was proud of the way our tight ends were blocking,” Ryan said. “You see Jeff Cumberland coming on. That was about as good a game blocking as I’ve seen Dustin have.”