During the 2022 NFL Draft process, Iowa State running back Breece Hall was widely regarded as the top running back talent on the board. The New York Jets were so impressed that they traded up to the 36th pick in the draft to select him. Expected to step into an immediate lead back role, Hall was positioned as the first pick in dynasty rookie drafts and a possible second-round pick in redraft leagues. In the seven games he played, he scored five touchdowns and accumulated over 680 total yards, showcasing his talent.

The Injury: 

Unfortunately, disaster struck for Hall after just four carries in Week 7 during a game against the Denver Broncos when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus. While a torn ACL can end a season in today’s NFL, it’s not a career-ending injury, and players often return to their pre-injury form. However, Hall’s situation is more complicated due to the additional meniscus tear. When an ACL tear occurs along with a meniscus tear, it typically signifies a significant trauma or injury to the knee, often involving forceful twisting, pivoting, or hyperextension of the knee joint.

The Recovery: 

Typically, the recovery time for one of these injuries is 9-12 months before a player can return to the field. It’s worth noting that the recovery period for professional athletes, like NFL running backs, is often accelerated due to their access to specialized medical care, resources, and dedicated rehabilitation teams. However, it’s crucial not to rush the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of reinjury.

So far, Head Coach Robert Saleh has expressed an optimistic outlook on Breece Hall’s 2023 prognosis, stating, “Breece looks fantastic,” and General Manager Joe Douglas is hopeful that Hall could even be ready for Week 1. By the beginning of the 2023 season, Hall will have had approximately 10 months of recovery time, which falls within the window for a full recovery. However, it may still take some time for him to regain full mental confidence once he’s back in full contact situations.

Fantasy Impact: 

Breece Hall is undoubtedly a special talent and will reclaim the lead back role for the Jets once he returns to form. However, it’s important to consider that his performance in the first few weeks back on the field could be lower than what fantasy managers expect, and experiencing additional injuries (e.g, ankle sprains, hamstring strains) is common.

In redraft leagues, it would be ideal to draft him as an RB2, allowing some flexibility if he starts slowly. In dynasty formats, he’s an obvious hold or a potential buy if someone is willing to sell.

With the addition of Dalvin Cook, my projection is that he will play around 14 games and be slotted in as the RB18. If he plays more games, he has the potential to move up the rankings. I hope this update provides clarity on his injury and assists you in making decisions regarding rostering him. Looking for more updates?  Find us on www.gridironratings.com , and get weekly updates every Wednesday on the Next Man Up podcast with Apple Podcasts or Spotify!