Braelon Allen, the New York Jets running back, is preparing for a pivotal 2026 season following a major knee injury that limited him to just four games last year. Allen, who was the team’s fourth-round pick in 2024, sustained a sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during a kickoff return against the Miami Dolphins on September 29, 2025. The injury sidelined him for the final 13 games of the season.

Speaking on Tuesday, Allen emphasized that his preparation for this year began immediately after surgery in October 2025. “I knew exactly what I needed to do,” he stated, underscoring his commitment throughout the recovery process. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound runner expressed the significance of the upcoming season, viewing it as an opportunity to establish himself as a reliable, physical presence in the Jets’ backfield rather than focusing on personal statistics.

Allen’s rookie campaign showed promise, with 334 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Expectations were high for the backfield tandem of Allen and Breece Hall, seen by Jets coach Aaron Glenn as a potential duo similar to the Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Hall’s speed complemented Allen’s bruising style, offering a dynamic 1-2 punch. However, Allen’s injury disrupted that plan, leaving him sidelined during a difficult season for the team.

Now fully engaged in training, Allen recently wore pads for the first time since the injury and expressed enthusiasm about returning to his physical style of play. “Being a bigger back, a physical back, it’s like riding a bike essentially. It’s downhill and go,” he said. Allen highlighted the importance of the offensive line, which returns four starters and includes young tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, as key to his success this season. “Those dudes are dogs. They’re violent, they’re physical, they’re smart, they get the job done play in and play out,” he added.

The Jets’ offense is also expected to benefit from a more experienced quarterback in veteran Geno Smith, who is seen as a factor that can keep defenses honest and open up opportunities for the running game.

The team’s running attack finished the 2025 season tied for 10th in the NFL, averaging 123.3 yards per game. A fully healthy Allen paired with Hall could provide a significant boost to that production.

In team news, rookie right tackle Armand Membou continued to impress in practice, notably holding his own against edge rusher David Bailey in one-on-one drills. Meanwhile, quarterback Geno Smith worked through some challenges, throwing consecutive interceptions during drills but finishing practice strongly.

Injuries remain a concern, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq dealing with a setback as he recovers from hernia surgery and defensive end Kingsley Enagbare sitting out practice for precautionary reasons. Nonetheless, head coach Aaron Glenn expressed optimism about their availability for the regular season.

With the season opener set for September 13 against the Tennessee Titans, Allen is ready to return to the field nearly a year after his injury. “I know exactly what this year has to look like for me,” he said. “It’s been a process, it’s been ongoing for 11 months now. I’m ready to go.”