The New York Jets have found a capable replacement in the backfield.
Gang Green announced on social media that they have placed running back Braelon Allen on injured reserve. In a corresponding move, they signed veteran tailback Khalil Herbert, who left the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad this week.
According to the NFL’s official transaction wire via ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets did steal Herbert off the Seahawks‘ practice squad.
In a few days, the Jets will host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 at MetLife Stadium.
Jets Add a Dynamic Talent to the Backfield
Herbert, 27, entered the league as the No. 217 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
The 5-foot-9, 212-pound playmaker has appeared in 56 games and has made 13 starts during his five-year career.
Herbert has toted the rock 400 times for 1,905 rushing yards and has scored nine rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he has collected 53 receptions for 312 receiving yards and has scored two receiving touchdowns.
Jets Also Add Another Option in the Return Game
The green and white have had a lot of issues that have led them to a 0-4 record to start the 2025 season. One of those issues includes problems in the return game. You could make a strong argument that a pair of fumbles by Xavier Gipson in Week 1 and Isaiah Williams in Week 4 cost the Jets two potential victories this season.
On top of what Herbert brings to the table offensively, he also has a track record as a return specialist.
Across his NFL career, Herbert has returned 36 kicks for 920 return yards. He has averaged 25.6 yards per kickoff return.
Detailing Herbert’s NFL Journey
He spent the first three and a half years of his career with the Chicago Bears. In November of 2024, he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
After his rookie contract expired, Herbert joined the Indianapolis Colts this offseason in free agency. Herbert was with the Colts throughout the entire offseason, but was dumped ahead of final roster cuts in August. He shortly thereafter joined the Colts‘ practice squad but only lasted two weeks.
Most recently, Herbert joined the Seahawks‘ practice squad on September 23. He was with the Seahawks until Wednesday, October 1, when he was cut before joining the Jets‘ 53-man roster a day later.
Assessing What’s Left of the Jets RB Room…
Braelon Allen injured his knee during the Week 4 matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The Jets placed him on injured reserve on Thursday, October 2, meaning he will miss at least four games, but it will likely be more than that, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
With Allen out of the picture, Herbert takes his spot on the 53-man roster.
That leaves the Jets with four running backs on the active roster: Breece Hall, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu, and now Herbert. The green and white also have fullback Andrew Beck on the team.
Breece Hall Has a Chance to Emerge
During the offseason, head coach Aaron Glenn revealed that he planned on utilizing all of the running backs on his roster. That committee approach didn’t seem like good news for Hall, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
With Allen out of the picture, the names behind Hall leave much to be desired. This could be his opportunity to make some noise and force a decision by the Jets. Do they re-sign him? Or try to trade him ahead of the deadline on November 4.
Jets Steal 11-TD Dynamic Playmaker From Seahawks Days Before Cowboys Game