New York Jets running back Shonn Greene was hit hard by Partiots middle linebacker Brandon Spikes and immediately went to the ground with what appeared to be a head injury. He was helped to the sideline and is now in the locker room for further evaluation.
The hit was legal since Greene wasn't a vulnerable receiver and Spikes didn't lead with his helmet, but that doesn't make it any less brutal. After starting the season with many calling for his starting job, Greene has had somewhat of a resurgence in the last game and a half. He ran for more than 160 yards and three touchdowns in a win against the Colts last week, and has 54 rushing yards, five receptions, 31 receiving yards and a touchdown so far against the Patriots. The five receptions are more than he's had in the Jets' previous six games combined.
Greene's backup Bilal Powell is inactive, and Joe McKnight has been playing more defense than offense, though he appeared in the backfield later in the drive, which resulted in a touchdown from Mark Sanchez to Dustin Keller. Fullback Lex Hilliard and former practice squad backup Jonathan Grimes — also Tim Tebow, I suppose — are the Jets' other options at running back.