Jets' Second-Year RB Comes off PUP List amidst Dalvin Cook Signing
Fewer than 24 hours after news of Dalvin Cook's signing surfaced, Breece Hall made his triumphant return to the New York Jets' practice field in Florham Park.
Hall, who is less than 10 months removed from tearing his ACL against the Denver Broncos, started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and was only permitted to work out on the side.
On Tuesday morning, the Jets officially announced Hall's activation off the PUP list making him eligible to participate in practices.
"It was exciting, but I'm looking forward to bigger things than just practicing. It was just one extra step in the journey," said Hall after Tuesday's practice session.
Hall, who was a limited participant, wasn't ready to declare himself ready for the Monday Night Football season opener.
"At the end of the day, the coaches and myself, we're gonna do the best thing in my interest. I'm not gonna put any certain timeline on this," said Hall.
Head coach Robert Saleh had reported that Hall was reaching 23 mph speed on the player-worn GPS tracking devices, but there was never any stated intention to rush him back into the mix.
"He looks strong, he's in really good shape. Obviously, we're going to do good by him and make sure that we slow play it, but he's in really good shape," said Saleh at the start of training camp.
The 22-year-old Hall provided plenty of reason for excitement in 6.5 games as a rookie prior to the knee injury. He totaled 681 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 99 touches. Hall averaged 5.8 yards per rush, an area where the Jets' production dropped steeply after his removal from the running backs' rotation.
"It’s going to be great to have him out there now and be able to see him and get to know him and watch what he can do," said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Hall's return coupled with four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook gives Gang Green a potentially special one-two punch out of the backfield. Cook has exceeded the 1,100-yard rushing mark each of the past four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries in a 27-22 win over the Jets in 2022.
Hall, the No. 36 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, expressed excitement about his return on the social media app formerly known as Twitter. Hall quote tweeted the Jets' official announcement with the message "I'm comin."
When news of Cook's official free agent visit emerged in late July, Hall posted a cryptic tweet that he later deleted. The incident suggested some possible displeasure from the second-year running back's perspective.
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