Despite some initial concern to the contrary, running back Bilal Powell’s neck injury is not career-threatening, Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY). Powell suffered the same injury that wide receiver Quincy Enunwa suffered last year, which means that it is a serious neck injury, but one that Powell can come back from after taking time to recover. 
The Jets placed Powell on IR this week after learning that he would be unable to play again this year. It’s possible that Powell has played his final down in a Jets uniform since he is in a contract year, but, fortunately, it sounds like he will be able to play football again.
The quietly productive running back will turn 29 over the weekend, meaning that he’ll hit free agency still on the right side of 30. He’ll still be in the recovery process during the first and second waves of free agency, but he could be available for clubs near the start of the season.
The Jets, without the services of Powell, will face the Bears in Chicago on Sunday.
Good to hear that he should be able to come back