Matt Forte‘s first season in New York has ended early. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter), the Jets have placed the veteran running back on the injured reserve. The team has promoted defensive back Bryson Keeton from the practice squad to take Forte’s roster spot.
Following eight productive seasons with the Bears, Forte joined the Jets this past offseason on a three-year, $12MM deal ($8MM guaranteed). Forte ultimately recorded career-lows in rushing yards (813), receptions (30), and receiving yards (263) during his first season with the team. The 31-year-old has been battling knee and shoulder injuries for some time, and the running back revealed last week that he’s been playing with a torn meniscus for much of the season. Forte hasn’t recorded more than 10 carries in a game since late November.
Meanwhile, running back Bilal Powell has emerged as a weapon for the Jets. This season, the 28-year-old has compiled 600 rushing and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 55 receptions, 373 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. Even with Powell’s production, it’s unlikely that the Jets will cut bait with Forte following the season. The running back has a reasonable cap hit of $5MM for next season, and the team would be left with $6MM in dead cap if they cut the veteran loose.
Keeton joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Montana State this past offseason. The defensive back has spent the entire season of the team’s practice squad.