CORTLAND — One of the biggest questions about the Jets entering training camp was: Who would be the team’s running back behind starter Shonn Greene?
Joe McKnight is the favorite to land the job, but he’s getting some competition from second-year back Bilal Powell.
“With Powell, he just looks like a different guy,” coach Rex Ryan said. “He struggled last year with injuries and all that. When he did play he was impressive because he had no reps and he still picked it up, had no mental mistakes in a game.” … I think we’re seeing that physical skill set that [running backs coach] Anthony Lynn and [general manager] Mike Tannenbaum really liked when he came out of college. You’re starting to see that.”
Powell appeared in just two games last year after the team drafted him in the fourth round out of Louisville. He rushed just 13 times for 21 yards. But Powell has looked much faster this year and is getting some reps with the first team.
“Powell has really been impressive,” Ryan said. “He did a great job picking up the blitz as well. When you look at his background, in college it took him a couple of years to get going and then he had a monster year. Hopefully, he’s ready to have that kind of season for us this year.”
Ryan said he is comfortable with the running backs on the roster. He was asked about reports the team has contacted veteran back Cedric Benson.
“I don’t believe there’s any truth to that,” Ryan said.
* WR Santonio Holmes missed most of practice with a leg injury. Holmes said it’s nothing major. … Ryan said the offense will be awarded the black jerseys today for winning yesterday’s practice. The defense won the black jerseys the past three days. … Safety LaRon Landry did not practice, working with trainers to the side. WR Chaz Schilens (groin) did not do team drills. NT Sione Pouha (cut on head) did not practice. … The team signed WRs Wes Kemp and Chris Forcier as well as safety Marcus Lott.
“It’s just a lot of soreness in the body,” Holmes said. “It takes a few days to get adjusted to being back in camp and being in shoulder pads and getting back in football shape.”
* RG Brandon Moore is traveling to the Hall of Fame for Saturday’s induction of former teammate Curtis Martin. Moore was part of the offensive line in 2004 when Martin won the rushing title.
“It’s huge,” Moore said. “I don’t know how many people play with Hall of Famers and actually get invited more than once. It’s kind of a big deal. I’m excited to go. I know I had a very small, small part in a big career. That was my first full-time year starting. I look back on it with a lot of pride being able to block for him.”