..how will jets use new three headed monster RB trio ? ? ?

kelly · August 8, 2016

~ ~ What's hot : The Jets are down three running backs -- Matt Forte(hamstring), Khiry Robinson (leg) and Bernard Pierce (hamstring). The clock is ticking on Pierce, who signed on the first day of camp and promptly pulled a hammy. There's a limit to the team's patience. "As camp goes, there’s a problem if you stay in the training room when you just got here and you haven’t shown yourself," coach Todd Bowles said. "He has (games) on tape. As the running backs get healthy, those who make plays, obviously get to play." Consider that a warning, Bernard. ... Forte already has been ruled out for Thursday night against theJacksonville Jaguars in the preseason opener. There are only four healthy backs, only one of whom (Bilal Powell) is a lock to make the roster. Ironically, they will meet up with their former leading rusher, Chris Ivory, on Thursday night. ...

rest of above article :

> http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/61893/jets-running-on-empty-well-almost-in-their-banged-up-backfield

Beerfish · August 8, 2016

Dump Pierce now, can't get into camp get out of the way,. There has to be some udf rb out there hungry for a shot, at least have a camp body.

kelly · August 8, 2016

Jets running back Khiry Robinson , who began training camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list with a leg injury he had been rehabbing, has been activated and is eligible to return to practice.Robinson (6'0", 220) was signed by New Orleans as a free agent out of West Texas A&M after a successful tryout at the Saints' rookie minicamp after the 2013 draft.

He played in 28 games (three starts) over the past three seasons with the Saints with 186 carries for 766 yards (4.1 yards/carry) and eight touchdowns and 25 receptions for 178 yards (7.1 yards/catch). He was on track for his best pro season last year before he suffered a tibia fracture in Week 8 vs. the Giants and was placed on injured reserve.

Robinson can join Bilal Powell , Romar Morris and Dominique Williams in the Jets backfield, which had been thinned due to injuries to Matt Forté (hamstring), Bernard Pierce (hamstring).

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/Khiry-Robinson-Comes-Off-ActivePUP-List/c8edf2d6-40e0-4399-901d-811c89113b11

drdetroit · August 8, 2016

1 hour ago, Beerfish said:

Dump Pierce now, can't get into camp get out of the way,. There has to be some udf rb out there hungry for a shot, at least have a camp body.

Yeah I don't get that signing he totally sucks there has to be a hungry rookie UFA out there

Obrien2Toon · August 8, 2016

On May 20, 2016 at 2:53 PM, David Harris said:

How many carries does Forte get a game?

my guess for carries (not receptions)

Forte: 14

Powell: 5

Robinson/Other: 2

I think Robinson gets a little more than that.

Think we averaged 28 rushes a game last year.

Larz · August 8, 2016

Screens and checkdowns

kelly · August 16, 2016

-- Tuesday's wake-up call, Day 20 of New York Jetstraining camp :

What's happening : Monday was a day of R & R for the players, but now it's back to work. A closed practice begins at 1:50 p.m. ET.

What's hot : The running-back position continues to draw attention, mainly because of the injury to Matt Forte (hamstring). Another player we haven't seen in full-practice mode is Khiry Robinson, formerly of the New Orleans Saints. Robinson, who broke his leg last November, is practicing on a limited basis after beginning camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Robinson said he's ahead of schedule in his rehab, adding that he expects to be ready for team drills in two weeks. He's a mystery man, a small-college standout (West Texas A&M) who made the Saints' roster as an undrafted free agent and rushed for 786 yards over three seasons. Robinson was blown away by the Jets' interest in free agency, saying, "I don't know too many teams who would pick somebody up with a broken leg." It's because the Jets see him as a diamond in the rough. If his handshake is any indication (speaking from personal experience), Robinson will be a powerful runner for the Jets. In March, Saints coach Sean Payton raved about Robinson.

rest of above article :

> http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62199/mystery-man-khiry-robinson-awaits-his-turn-in-jets-banged-up-backfield

Adoni Beast · August 16, 2016

Potential weapon formation for us could be shotgun, using forte and powel split in the backfield, both can block and catch. Will keep the linebackers guessing who will stay in and block and who will roll out for dump off and screens.

kelly · August 16, 2016

The ESPN fantasy football marathon continues with an analysis of the New York Jets' running backs :

Matt Forte

ESPN Fantasy Projection: 760 yards, 4.1 rushing TDs

Over or under : I'll take the "over" in both categories, but he won't surpass those numbers by much. He's not in Chicago anymore, meaning he won't be on the field for 75 percent of the offensive snaps when healthy, as he was last season for the Bears. Forte is the No. 1 running back, but it's a different kind of No. 1. He's 30 years old, dealing with a hamstring issue that cost him the first two weeks of training camp. He should be healthy by the season opener, but he won't be an every-down player. He'll get approximately 200 carries, which should put him at 800 yards or so and half-dozen touchdowns. The Jets are planning to use him in the passing game, so he should exceed the ESPN Fantasy Projection for receptions (47).

Bilal Powell

ESPN Fantasy Projection: 571 yards, 4.1 rushing TDs

Over or under : Because of his time-share with Forte, Powell won't get enough touches to exceed 571 yards. I also don't think he'll rush for four touchdowns because he's not a breakaway threat or a goal-line presence. That said, Powell has fantasy value because he's not your typical No. 2 back. He will play a lot on third down, and he will see some time in the base offense, spelling Forte. He has impressive in training camp and looked quicker than last year, according to coach Todd Bowles. Powell, perhaps the most underrated player on the team, could be a late-round gem, especially if Forte's hamstring problem lingers.

Who else could see time : Khiry Robinson is projected as the No. 3 back, but he's a mystery man because he's still about two weeks away from practicing on a full-time basis. Coming off a broken leg with the Saints, Robinson has been limited in training camp and may not have a defined role until a few weeks into the season. The coaches like his toughness, and they envision him as a potential short-yardage back. But they won't commit to anything until they see him in pads.

> http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62155/jets-rbs-matt-forte-bilal-powell-could-put-up-big-receiving-numbers

kelly · August 17, 2016

-- Matt Forte still isn't practicing for the New York Jets, but he gave fans a reason to be excited nonetheless.

When asked Tuesday if he thinks he could miss the team's regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 11, Forte said, "Nah, I'll be available. Definitely."

Forte, whom the Jets signed as a free agent back in March, has missed the team's training camp practices thus far due to a hamstring injury. But he did participate in individual drills Tuesday, taking handoffs and catching short throws from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick."When he's back, he's back," Jets coach Todd Bowles said of Forte. "I don't have a timetable for him. We understand the process we're taking with him, and we're fine with it."

Forte said he has had no setbacks with the hamstring injury.

"It's taken longer than I expected, just because we're being super, super cautious about it," he said. "At this point there's no reason to really rush back out there. I got a lot of reps in the offseason, I know the offense, and by watching in camp and stuff I know a lot more. It won't take that long to get back into it."

The Jets almost certainly won't play Forte in their second preseason game, against the Washington Redskins, on Friday night. The bigger question is whether he'll play in the team's third preseason game, when starters typically see the most action.

Forte sounded anxious to get back on the field.

"This is the most patience I've had to have with an injury," he said. "They've had to hold me back personally because if not, if it were up to me, I'd be going at it every day to try to be out there on my own terms."

Bowles is taking a wait-and-see approach.

"If we can have him back in time enough to get some reps in before the first game, then we'll work from there," he said.The Jets have high hopes for the two-time Pro Bowler, who played eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and leads the NFL in all-purpose yards (12,718) since entering the league in 2008.

Further down the depth chart, the Jets placed running back Bernard Pierce(hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday, and signed running back Antone Smith.

> http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17322373/new-york-jets-rb-matt-forte-says-ready-season-opener

SouthernJet · August 17, 2016

On 5/20/2016 at 2:53 PM, David Harris said:

How many carries does Forte get a game?

my guess for carries (not receptions)

Forte: 14

Powell: 5

Robinson/Other: 2

Ivory minus 2 or 3

kelly · August 17, 2016

— It's going to be on Khiry Robinson's mind the next time he takes a handoff. He knows that. He's not trying to hide from it.

The last time Robinson played in an NFL game, he fractured his tibia. Now seven months later, he's close to a return. Once Robinson gets full medical clearance, he says the injury won't be a crutch.

He'll be thinking about it. But he won't let it impact his play.

"Say you walk across the street and get hit by a car," Robinson said at camp last week. "The next time you walk across the street, what are you going to do? You're going to look left and right, right?

"It's the same thing. Of course it will be on my mind, but I'm not worrying about it."

Robinson, 26, has quite the recollection of what happened on Nov. 1, 2015. Combine the fact he lived it, with the countless times he's watched the play back on replay, and it's easy to see why. Robinson, then a member of the Saints, lined up behind quarterback Drew Brees in a game against the Giants. Brees handed the ball to Robinson, and Robinson took it around the left side of the offensive line.

As he planted his foot to cut up the field, Giants defensive tackleJohnathan Hankins rolled onto Robinson's lower leg. Just like that, his season was over. "It was a freak accident," Robinson said. "It was something with me and how I run. When I run, my feet are flat. I planted, and he fell on my leg. He pulled me in while I was falling. I was already planted. It was just the perfect angle. Perfect hit."

Robinson's injury really couldn't have come at a worse time. He was playing on the final year of his rookie contract, beginning to see additional reps and had already run for a career-high four touchdowns. He still had six games to prove his worth. But instead of going into free agency a hot commodity, Robinson entered as an injured afterthought.

Well, not a total afterthought. The Jets signed Robinson to a one-year contractone day into the new league year.

"I just wanted another job opportunity," Robinson said. "To be honest, [the Jets] were interested in me. They were more interested in me. I didn't know where I was going to end up. I just was looking for somewhere to play football. "I don't know many teams that will pick someone up with a broken leg. I give them the most respect for that. I'm ready to go out there for them."Robinson did not participate in the Jets' organized team activities or minicamp. He started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. The Jets activated Robinson on Aug. 8. Since then, he has done individual drills in practice, but no team work.

Robinson estimates that he's still a "couple weeks" away from returning. When he does, he should fill a much-needed role on offense. The Jets have their starting running back in Matt Forte. They have their third-down specialist in Bilal Powell. What they don't have is a bruising, powerful back. That's where Robinson comes in. Throughout his career, he has been know as a physical runner. "I'm going to give them everything that I've got," Robinson said. "If they tell me to run 100 yards, I'm going to run 100 yards. I'm just going to do what I need to do to contribute and help this team win.

"I try to score every time I touch the ball. That can be a downfall sometimes, but I just feel like I'm a football player. I'm a running back."

> http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/08/how_jets_khiry_robinson_plans_to_overcome_mental_h.html#incart_river_index

LIJetsFan · August 17, 2016

5 minutes ago, kelly said:

Robinson estimates that he's still a "couple weeks" away from returning.

Geesh, still 2-3 weeks away and then he'll have to shake off the rust. Not what I was hoping to hear.

kelly · August 17, 2016

s if in the eye of the hurricane, Matt Forté in his soft-spoken voice told reporters today, "I'm always relaxed."

But Forté is feeling the tug of the winds that want him to put his hamstring injury behind him and get out on the Jets' practice field and into game action. In fact, the Jets' new tailback admitted, in his relaxed way, that he feels that urge, too."This is the most anxious I've been and the most patience I've had to have with an injury," he told reporters after today's latest hot-weather practice at the Atlantic Health Training Center. "They've had to hold me back, personally, because if not, if it was up to me, I'd be going at it every day to try to be out there on my own terms."

But the plan is the plan. For any fans feeling panicky about not seeing No. 22 strut his stuff yet, he hasn't had any setbacks, he worked in position drills today for the third time this summer , he doesn't know if he'll make an appearance by preseason Game 3 against the Giants ... and it's all good by head coach Todd Bowles.

"When he's back, he's back," Bowles said. "I don’t have a timetable for him. We understand the process we’re taking with him and we’re fine with it."

Forté may be 30, but he's also a ninth-year pro so he knows the ropes. As his "Work Horse" nickname indicates, he's always in exceptional shape.As for knowing his role in coordinator Chan Gailey's offense, Forté said, "I got a lot of reps in the offseason. I know the offense, and by watching in camp, I know it a lot more. It doesn't take that long to get back into it."

And while he never went a whole preseason as a Bear without playing a game, his summer numbers back him up about getting into top-back mode. In the past four preseasons, Forté played in 10 games , averaging 6.0 touches and 15.8 offensive plays per game and 15.0 touches and 39.5 plays per summer. He wouldn't be far off those numbers assuming he sits Friday vs. the Redskins and plays only vs. the Giants.And if he doesn't play in the preseason? He wouldn't be the first bellcow back to sit out four preseason games and hit the ground running on opening day.

"I'm looking forward to being on the practice field soon," he said. And regarding the Sept. 11 opener against the Bengals, he said, simply, softly and confidently, "I'll be available."

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-randylangefb/Matt-Forté-Theyve-Had-to-Hold-Me-Back/328df4a5-d5e3-470b-b8b5-a1eccfa8ac07

vicmill · August 17, 2016

I know Forte is considered #1 and Powell #2 but don't de surprised to see the usage reflect the opposite. Powell is in his prime, healthy and has gotten better every year. Forte is 30 and dealing with an injury. I think they'll end up using then similarly to how they used Jones and Tomlinson. Tomlinson was primarily a third down back and got one or two series per half. That sounds about right for a 30 year old running back. Jones got the bulk of the work and while Powell is a different back than Jones, I think he'll be fine. Expect Powell to have 15-18 runs and few targets per game and Forte 5-10 runs and most of the targets. Khiry should chip in another 3-6 runs, primarily short yardage and goal line. If the oline is good, no sure thing, this could be an explosive offense, assuming their passing game is similar to last year.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kelly · August 18, 2016

-- Matt Forte practiced for the New York Jets on Wednesday, and there’s no reason to curb your enthusiasm, Jets fans.

Forte (hamstring) participated in team drills for the first time in training camp, a day after proclaiming he will definitely be on the field for the team’s regular-season opener. Jets head coach Todd Bowles even said Forte will warm up for Friday night’s preseason game against the Washington Redskins, and there’s a “slim” chance he will play.“It’s good to see him out there running around,” Bowles said. “He’s gotta get in football shape. We weren’t tackling or really hit him. So he was about three-quarters speed. We look forward to him getting better. If he doesn’t have any setbacks tomorrow then we’ll move forward.”

Forte carried the ball several times against the defense on Wednesday, and caught a few passes from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, too.

“It was great to see Matt, and [it was] really kind of the first intensive work I’ve had with him,” Fitzpatrick said. “I figured with as much ball as he’s played and how great of a player he’s been, he’d be able to fit right in and we’d mesh pretty well. He did a really nice job today, but we’ve been communicating the whole time.”Forte wasn’t the only pleasant surprise at Jets camp on Wednesday. “Seinfeld” co-creator and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Larry David was present and watched the entire practice.

David is a big Jets fan, and has said in the past -- as recently as last week, in fact -- that he believes he could be an NFL offensive coordinator.He also was critical of Fitzpatrick’s beard, which the quarterback has since shaved off.David wasn’t made available to the media, but Fitzpatrick did get a chance to speak with him.

“Yeah, we hashed it out,” Fitzpatrick said, in a deadpan manner. “I kind of talked about my acting career on ‘The League.’ He had done some work with Mr. [Jeff] Schaffer before. He said, ‘Was it hard?’ I said, ‘Yeah, it’s a lot like a normal person thinking they could come in and be an offensive coordinator.’ So I actually got him to chuckle, which was great, that was my goal for the day.

“That was pretty cool,” Fitzpatrick added. “Man, I loved that show growing up and even still.”Fitzpatrick isn’t the only “Seinfeld" fan on the Jets, by the way. Bowles said he’s seen many episodes, too.When asked what their favorite one is, both Bowles and Fitzpatrick immediately mentioned the Soup Nazi. No wonder they work so well together.

> http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62242/matt-forte-makes-big-step-at-jets-practice-in-front-of-larry-david

kelly · August 18, 2016

Bilal Powell only could watch as the Jets’ season went down the tubes last year. The running back, who had become a crucial piece of the offense, sat out the season finale in Buffalo with an injured ankle.

The Jets lost 22-17 and were knocked out of the playoffs. It fuels Powell seven months later.

“Just knowing that it was so close. It hurts worse when you can smell it,” Powell said Wednesday. “We were knocking on the door. You use it as motivation. I did everything I could to get back healthy and come back in the best shape I can to help this team win.”

So far, so good.

Powell has been one of the most impressive players in training camp. Now in his sixth year, Powell seems to be getting faster and is making a case for a bigger role.

Jets coach Todd Bowles, who throws around compliments like they weigh two tons,practically gushes when Powell’s name comes up.“He’s been healthy, he’s been quick, he looks a lot quicker than he did last year,” Bowles said last week. “He’s always smart, he’s always talking, he’s steady. What you see is what you get all the time from him. I’m happy about that.”

How has Powell gotten quicker?

“I guess he works in the offseason, I don’t know. He looks quicker,” Bowles said. “He does a good job training. He keeps his mouth shut, he’s very smart, he’s very studious and he’s very attentive.”

Powell laughs when told he looks faster.

“Everybody keeps telling me I’m faster, but I’m just having fun,” Powell said. “It’s Year 6. I’m blessed to see Year 6 right now. I’m trying to fly around as long as possible and have fun doing it.”The 27-year-old has outlasted a lot of teammates. Powell and Muhammad Wilkerson are the only players left from the Jets’ 2011 draft class. The fourth-round pick out of Louisville came in without many expectations but seems to make an impact every year.

Last season, he had 70 rushes for 313 yards and a touchdown while also catching 47 passes for 388 yards and two more scores. The 47 catches were third on the team behind Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Powell was at his best when the Jets went on their five-game winning streak late in the season.While people want to point to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s interceptions in Buffalo or Darrelle Revis’ struggles against Sammy Watkins, Powell’s absence that day was a huge factor in the loss to the Bills.

“We wish we could have that one game back to get in the playoffs,” Powell said. “That’s something you can just strive off of and use as motivation for this training camp. Guys are coming out with fire lit. Everybody’s buying in.”Powell had the chance to leave the Jets in March as afree agent. The Patriots and Broncos both expressed interest in signing Powell, but he decided to stick with the Jets, signing a three-year, $11.25 million deal.

Besides his contributions on the field, Powell is also a quiet leader in the running backs room. He played with LaDainian Tomlinson as a rookie in 2011 and never forgot how much time Tomlinson spent helping him.“I tell a lot of people I had the opportunity to play under LaDainian and he did nothing but open his arms and share his wisdom,” Powell said. “I was a sponge at that time. I was just trying to soak up everything possible from him.

“I always told myself that after a couple of years getting established that if I had the opportunity to help a young man, I will. That’s just my personality. That’s one of my passions is to help the next person and just be selfless. I know everybody can’t stay but you want to get guys prepared and if they can’t make it here, hopefully they get a chance somewhere else.”

Powell is expected to split carries with Matt Forte, who replaces Chris Ivory in the backfield. The coaches have not let on how much of a split it will be, but Powell is not worried about his role right now.“I have no idea [what my role will be],” Powell said. “I just want to help this team win and get a chance to get to the playoffs and see how far this talented team can go.”

> http://nypost.com/2016/08/17/jets-vet-makes-quick-progress-even-if-he-doesnt-believe-it/

kelly · August 22, 2016

~ ~ 7. Chris Ivory 2.0 : Yes, Khiry Robinson has heard the Chris Ivory comparisons. They’re unavoidable. After all, both are small-school players, both went undrafted, both began their careers with the New Orleans Saints, and both have a punishing style of running. Robinson has never met Ivory, but he admires him.

“We’ve walked in the same shoes,” Robinson said. “I respect him. I heard we’re kind of alike. I appreciate guys like that, paving the way. I’ve been told we run similarly. I appreciate it. That’s a good compliment.”Robinson, who spent the past eight months rehabbing a broken leg, is close to making his Jets debut.

rest of above article :

> http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/62267/memo-to-jets-the-more-the-merrier-doesnt-apply-to-quarterbacks

kelly · August 23, 2016

Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer

Former Bills RB Karlos Williams visited the Jets today, source confirms (via WGR radio). Due diligence. No deal imminent.

> http://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

kelly · August 25, 2016

more re our RB dept. -

~ ~ It’s been less than a week since the Buffalo Bills cut ties with second-year running back Karlos Williams, but the former fifth-round pick appears to have already moved on in search of greener pastures.

New York Jets green to be exact.Williams cleared waivers following his release from the Bills last Saturday, making the 6-foot-1, 230-pound bruiser a free agent.

In a video on posted on Twitter Wednesday night by former 91.3 FM WBNY sports director Richard Cumpston Jr., Williams gave his assessment of a recent visit he had with the Jets.

Richard Cumpston Jr. @RichCumpston

EXCLUSIVE: @Karlos_29_SR speaks on visit with the @nyjets.#jets #bills #jetsnation #billsmafia @WGR550 @ESPNNFL

10:09 PM - 24 Aug 2016

And, by the sound of it, the Florida State product enjoyed his time in New York and is hopeful a contract could come to fruition.

“I love the city in Jersey. I love New York. I love being close to the city,” Williams said in the video from Cumpston Jr. “I’d like to fly with the Jets, baby.”

That’s a lot of love coming from the former Bill.

If he signs, Williams will be unable to play against Buffalo in Week 2.

However, he can expect a lot of something coming from Bills fans when the two teams square off in the season finale at MetLifeStadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Jan. 1.

That “a lot of something” coming from Buffalo’s fan base likely won’t be love. That’s for sure.

> http://billswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/24/buffalo-bills-karlos-williams-new-york-jets/

kelly · August 25, 2016

-- It's the same quarterback, the same group of wide receivers, the same tight ends and the same offensive line -- well, almost the same line. Continuity is a good thing in the transient world of the NFL, so theNew York Jets have that going for them as they prepare for the 2016 season.The burning question is, how do they get better with mostly the same cast? How do they improve from 10th in total offense, their highest ranking since 1998? The answer to that question will depend, in large part, on Matt Forte, who probably will make his Jets debut Saturday night against the New York Giants.

The Jets are putting a lot on his 30-year-old shoulders. Not only to do they expect him to replace leading rusher Chris Ivory, who ran for 1,070 yards, but they plan to make Forte a major factor in the passing game.They won't reveal too much against the Giants, but know this: Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, who built a reputation for tailoring his system to fit the personnel, is spending countless hours in his laboratory, cooking up ways to use Forte.They lose a physical element without Ivory, a punishing between-the-tackles runner, but they gain versatility. In chess terms, Forte is like a rook or bishop because he can move quickly around the board. In theory, it should make the offense more unpredictable.

"He’s almost receiver-like with some of the stuff he can do out there," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said.

The Jets ran most of their offense out of a three-receiver package last season, and they ran it well, but they weren't as sharp with conventional personnel on the field. For instance: Fitzpatrick's passer rating against base defenses (four defensive backs) was only 86.8 -- 26th in the league, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Forte can help that because of his receiving ability. He can split out wide and match up against a linebacker, an advantage for the Jets.Bilal Powell became a key component in the passing game, emerging as a factor out of the backfield, but it's still an area that needs improvement. When targeting running backs, Fitzpatrick's passer rating (99.4) ranked only 17th. Don't be surprised if Gailey uses Powell and Forte together in certain packages, creating matchup issues for the opponent.

"His production speaks for itself," Fitzpatrick said of Forte, who amassed more than 12,600 yards from scrimmage in eight seasons with the Chicago Bears. "For a guy to play at that high a level for that many years, that’s pretty incredible in this league. Just hearing stories, too, from former teammates that played with him about his work ethic, he’s been nothing but impressive since he’s been here. The way he approaches the game, I think he’ll fit in the huddle really well. He’s got a calm demeanor about him. He goes about things the right way."The question, of course, is whether Forte can hold up for an entire season. He's known as one of the most durable backs in the sport, but he's 30 and his pre-camp hamstring injury -- the reason he missed the first two games -- might have been a red flag. Fluke injury or bad omen?

Forte said his hamstring is fine and he expects to play against the Giants, if only for a few carries. He's practicing fully and he craves live action."This is as important as any game that you’re going into, because this is like the main game before you go into the season," he said. "You want to get everything on the same page as the offense, and you really want to execute a lot of the plays and stuff."Coach Todd Bowles said wants to see his new offensive toy on Saturday night."I hope so, if he doesn't have any setbacks," Bowles said. "I'll see how he warms up, but I'm trying to get him playing. I want him to get hit before the first game."

Don't expect more than a cameo. The real unveiling occurs Sept. 11 against theCincinnati Bengals.