By WFAN.com
Free agent running back Bilal Powell has reportedly been cleared to return from the neck injury he suffered last season while playing for the Jets.
Accordingly to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams have been notified that Powell, 30, has been fully cleared after undergoing surgery for a bulging disk in his neck. Powell told Rapoport he's "really looking forward to getting back to work."
Long-time #Jets RB & now FA Bilal Powell was fully cleared from a neck injury that was once thought to threaten his career, teams were informed in a letter. Powell, who averaged 4.3 yards per rush last year, is healthy & says he's "really looking forward to getting back to work."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2019The injury was sustained in a Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings when Powell was tackled by linebacker Anthony Barr. Then-Jets coach Todd Bowles initially said Powell's injury was career threatening, but he later walked back those comments.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Jets in 2011, Powell played eight seasons for Gang Green, rushing for 3,446 yards and 15 touchdowns and catching 204 passes for 1,567 yards and five more scores. Before getting hurt last season, he had 343 yards rushing and 11 receptions for 110 yards and one TD.
A reunion between Powell and the Jets might be a long shot after the team signed former Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell and ex-Packer Ty Montgomery in free agency. Other running backs on the roster include Elijah McGuire and Trenton Cannon.
