Jets' Bilal Powell ready for increased workload with Matt Forte out vs. Jaguars

New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) rushes for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

FLORHAM PARK -- None of this is new for Bilal Powell. The Jets' versatile back has been around the block a few times throughout his seven NFL seasons.

But it doesn't make him any less excited for this weekend's game against the Jaguars. With Matt Forte out with a turf toe, Powell will make his first start of the season.

"I'm always excited to play on Sunday," Powell said on Friday. "I look forward to seeing what we have for Sunday."

The Jets, most of this season, have used a 1-2 rushing attack featuring Powell and Forte. While both backs are effective, each has some durability concerns. Splitting the touches allows the Jets to keep both fresh throughout a game and, hopefully, healthy.

With Forte now nursing his injured toe, Powell is looking forward to the increased workload. He hopes to replicate some of the same success he experienced as the feature back last year. Powell had 552 total yards in the final four games.

"It's a league where you have to expect injuries," Powell said. "It's always the next man up type of business. It's just about being prepared. I'm prepared to play. We've got a good game plan. I look forward to Sunday."

It won't just be Powell, though. Against the Raiders and Dolphins, the Jets started to work in rookie running back Eli McGuire, whom they selected in the sixth round. He ran for 29 yards against the Raiders, and 34 versus the Dolphins. He's averaging a team-high 4.8 yards per carry on 13 rushes.

Powell is impressed with how quickly McGuire picked up the offense.

"Eli has done a good job," Powell said. "He turned into a pro real quick. He's producing when he goes in. That's something guys look forward to ... He's a sponge. He soaks up everything. He takes the coaching, and does what he's coached to do on the field."

THE WALKING WOUNDED. Forte isn't the only Jet unlikely to play. Linebacker Josh Martin (ankle) and right tackle Brandon Shell (shoulder) are doubtful. The Jets will use a rotation of players to replace Martin. Either Ben Ijalana or Brent Qvale will start at right tackle, coach Todd Bowles said.

Defensive end Mo Wilkerson (shoulder) is questionable. Reserve rookie tight end Jordan Leggett is out.

A HEAVY HEART. Defensive end Kony Ealy told NJ Advance Media he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday because he had a death in the family. His absence was excused, Bowles said. Ealy was adamant he'd play against the Jaguars.

In three games, Ealy has six tackles. He has put solid pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

NOT LOOKING BACK. Bowles said he has "no regrets" with how the Jets handled former linebacker Erin Henderson last season. Henderson is now suing the Jets for wrongful termination, as first reported by NJ Advance Media.

Henderson claims the Jets put him on the non-football injury list last year without merit. Because the team never publicly gave a reason, Henderson believes other potential employers thought he relapsed with a past alcohol problem, and thus didn't sign him. Henderson is currently a free agent. You can read more about his case here.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook

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