Powell's neck injury isn't career-ending, Bowles says

The neck injury New York Jets running back Bilal Powell suffered last weekend shouldn't jeopardize his career after all, head coach Todd Bowles clarified Thursday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Bowles suggested otherwise Wednesday, saying the injury could force Powell to retire. Powell was placed on injured reserve the same day.

The running back was hurt in the Jets' Oct. 21 game versus the Minnesota Vikings. He'll undergo neck surgery but is expected to make a full recovery, Bowles said.

The 29-year-old is suffering from the same injury that sidelined Jets wideout Quincy Enunwa last year, the coach added - a bulging disc.

Powell's spent his entire eight-year career with Gang Green, rushing for 3,446 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 1,567 yards and five touchdowns through the air.