Breece Hall to Miss 2-3 Weeks With Groin Strain; Expected for Week 1 Opener

New York Jets running back Breece Hall will miss the preseason remainder due to a groin injury but is slated to return for the regular season opener against Tennessee.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets starting running back Breece Hall will miss two to three weeks of action after an MRI on Monday night confirmed a strained groin. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced the timeline on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:07 AM ET, stating that while Hall is sidelined for the remainder of the preseason, he is expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Hall sustained the injury while running after a catch during Monday's practice session, though he was untouched on the play.

Glenn expressed confidence in the recovery timeline, noting that preliminary diagnoses on Monday had already suggested the issue was not a long-term concern. Hall has led the Jets in rushing yards for four consecutive seasons and recently signed a three-year contract extension worth $43.5 million. Last season, the running back recorded a career-high 1,065 rushing yards and remains a primary target in the team's passing attack. Quarterback Geno Smith described the news as a relief, citing Hall’s role as a leader and a vital component of the offensive unit.

Jets Backfield Depth and Roster Impact

With Hall unavailable for the next several weeks, the Jets will rely on a depleted depth chart at the running back position. Braelon Allen, currently the No. 2 back, is expected to see increased repetitions despite having undergone major knee surgery during the previous season. The team’s No. 3 runner, Isaiah Davis, is also currently sidelined following knee surgery, though team officials expect him to be available for the Week 1 matchup.

Kene Nwangwu, who serves as a kickoff returner, is the only other experienced running back currently healthy on the roster. Coach Glenn indicated that the team views the rotation between Hall and Allen as a "1A, 1B" situation rather than a traditional starter and backup hierarchy. This strategy aims to prevent a significant drop-off in production while the primary starter rehabilitates his groin strain.

Geno Smith Management and Preseason Status

Quarterback Geno Smith is facing his own health hurdles as he navigates a new offensive system. Smith is currently dealing with a swollen left ankle, an injury sustained during a joint practice session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. The ailment resulted in Smith being scratched from the preseason opener last Friday night. While he has not missed scheduled practice time, Glenn remained noncommittal regarding Smith's participation in the upcoming Friday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The coaching staff has implemented a specific management plan for the veteran quarterback to ensure his availability for the start of the regular season. Glenn emphasized that Smith’s status for the Steelers game will depend on how the player feels and the team's desire to remain cautious. If Smith is held out of the lineup, rookie Cade Klubnik is expected to start under center. Klubnik saw action in two series during last week's game and performed well according to team evaluations.

Preparing for the Tennessee Titans

The organization’s primary focus remains the health of its core offensive contributors for the trip to Tennessee. The Jets are prioritizing recovery over preseason repetitions to ensure Hall and Smith are at full strength. Despite the current injuries to Davis and Hall, the team maintains that both will be active when the games begin to count in the standings. The medical staff will continue to monitor Hall's groin and Smith's ankle swelling as the Week 1 deadline approaches.