Injury won’t end Powell’s career

Bilal Powell’s season is over. His time with the Jets may be, too. But the running back’s career no longer appears in jeopardy.

Just one day after coach Todd Bowles said Powell’s season-ending neck injury could prevent him from ever playing again, the coach corrected himself, saying the running back is now expected to make a full recovery, following surgery.

“It was just a misunderstanding of things,” Bowles said Thursday.

Bowles said that Powell’s injury is the same one Quincy Enunwa suffered in August 2017, costing the receiver all of last season. No timetable has been set for Powell’s recovery, but Enunwa was able to return in time for training camp this year.

Powell, who was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Jets but will be a free agent after the season.

➤ Center Spencer Long (knee/finger) missed his second straight practice and could miss Sunday’s game against the Bears. Jonotthan Harrison filled in for Long during the final six plays against the Vikings and could be in line for the start.

“He’s been here for two years, so it won’t affect the chemistry,” right tackle Brandon Shell said.

Bowles said Dakota Dozier could also play center. Either way, the team’s recent snapping issues — largely caused by Long’s injury — has been a big focus.

“Obviously we can’t have bad execution in that part of the game,” offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said. “That’s where every play starts. We have to fix it. We’re working on it right now. It has to be fixed. We can’t continue on that path.

“It’s definitely in our conversations. We understand it’s been happening for a couple weeks. We’re gonna get it solved.”

➤ Enunwa (ankle) will likely be out again, and Robby Anderson (ankle) and cornerback Trumaine Jonson (quad) might also be spectators, having missed their second straight practice. Darron Lee (illness) was a full participant, and Mo Claiborne (shoulder/foot), Kelvin Beachum (back), Marcus Maye (thumb), Buster Skrine (concussion) and Kevin PierreLouis (foot) were limited.

Bowles said it is possible Maye could play with a soft cast this weekend, but the coach didn’t know if the safety’s presence was yet an option.

“I have my way of testing him, and finding out,” Bowles said. “Right now he’s limited. As the week gets going, I’ll see where he is. He’s pretty honest with me.

“If he plays, I expect him to be effective.”