The knee injury suffered by New York Jets running back Braelon Allen in Monday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins will require a stint on injured reserve.
New York announced on Thursday it has signed Khalil Herbert to provide depth at running back with Allen placed on IR.
Head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters on Friday that Allen is expected to miss between eight and 12 weeks.
Allen was injured in the second quarter against the Dolphins when he took a hit to the knee while returning a kickoff. He was diagnosed with a sprained MCL, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Allen has been the primary backup to Breece Hall in the Jets’ backfield. He ranks third on the team with 76 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Quarterback Justin Fields has also had a significant role in their rushing attack.
The Jets will be the fourth different team Herbert has played for this calendar year. He finished last season playing with the Cincinnati Bengals, recording a season-high 20 carries in their Week 18 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Herbert signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent in March, but was released on Sept. 8. He joined the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks two weeks later before being signed by the Jets.
A sixth-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Herbert has racked up 1,905 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns in 56 career games. He will likely compete with Isaiah Davis to be the primary backup behind Hall until Allen is able to return.
