The Jets will be without both their leading rusher and leading receiver when they host the Texans Saturday at MetLife Stadium. Isaiah Crowell, who has run for 685 yards this season while averaging 4.8 yards a carry and has scored a team-high six touchdowns, and Quincy Enunwa, whose 38 receptions pace the Green & White, were ruled out with toe and ankle injuries respectively.
With Crowell out of the lineup, the Jets will have a youthful look in the backfield featuring second-year pro Eli McGuire and rookie Trenton Cannon. McGuire, who is dealing with an ankle injury and was limited in practice the past two days, is questionable but signs point to him playing in Week 15.
"It's a good opportunity. They've been playing some since they've been healthy, since Eli's been back," said head coach Todd Bowles Thursday of his young backs. "You like what you see, so they just have to prove themselves."
When Crowell exited last week in Buffalo, the 5'10", 214-pound McGuire got the bulk of the work and he gained 60 yards on a career-high 17 carries. Cannon added five touches against the Bills and he scored his first professional touchdown on a 4-yard run.
"I'm becoming a smarter player and just getting more comfortable," said Cannon, who has been a revelation on special teams.
Outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, who didn't practice this week due to a concussion, was the third Jets player ruled out. The Green & White also listed four players as questionable including veteran cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Johnson, who has recorded three interceptions the past two contests, was experiencing some foot soreness Thursday.
Texas Praise
Earlier this week, Jets safety and Texas native Jamal Adams received praise from Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and head coach Bill O'Brien. Friday. Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has totaled 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns on 84 receptions, shared similar remarks regarding Adams' play in his second year.
"He has a motor like you've never seen before," Hopkins said. "The dude's a monster. He's the leader of that defense. You can tell by his play."
How 'Bout Hennessy?
With both KR Andre Roberts and K Jason Myers enjoying sensational seasons, it has been easy to overlook the contributions of LS Thomas Hennessy. Acquired in a trade with the Colts in August 2017, Hennessy has been dead on with his accuracy and he' has also added eight tackles on special teams.
"I think he is one of the top five snappers in the league," said special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.
While Myers has been near perfect, Hennessy and holder Lachlan Edwards have made sure the operation goes off without any hitches.
"Thomas has done a fantastic job since he's been here," Boyer said. "He can block, he can cover and he's a pleasure to coach that's for sure."
