Chris Ivory in positional drills, could play this week

New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) stopped for a loss first play from scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets could get RB Chris Ivory back this week, but fantasy owners should still view Bilal Powell as the starter this week with Ivory’s status still uncertain. The Jets acquired Ivory to be their No . 1 RB, and fantasy owners of Ivory and Powell should watch closely to see how things shake out at tomorrow’s practice. According to ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, Chris Ivory was able to participate in positional drills today after practicing yesterday, and Cimini thinks Ivory “has a chance” at playing this week against the Atlanta Falcons.

While Ivory could play, I think we’ll see another week of Bilal Powell starting at running back. Ivory still is likely less than 100% with a hamstring injury, and a return this week would already be significantly ahead of schedule. When he was ruled out in Week 4, the Jets didn’t even have a timetable for his return, so the fact that he is already getting in practice for two straight days  is huge news for the Jets.

So expect Powell to start, but also expect Chris Ivory to get some carries on Monday night if he is able to practice tomorrow and on Saturday. The extra day certainly bodes well for Ivory, and that’s likely a reason why Rich Cimini believes that there is even a chance of Ivory playing. If he plays, though, it won’t be as the Jets starting running back.

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