Brandon Marshall Injury: Updates on Jets Star's Hips and Return

New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall did not play in his team's two final preseason games due to a hip injury. However, he has been cleared to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Marshall Active vs. Bengals in Week 1

Friday, Sept. 9

Jets head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Marshall will play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

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Marshall Provides Jets with True No. 1 Receiving Option

Marshall exceeded expectations in his first season with the Jets. The 32-year-old finished with 109 receptions for 1,502 yards and an NFL-best 14 touchdowns in 2015. He was the No. 1 wideout the franchise had been lacking since Santana Moss and Laveranues Coles were in their respective primes in the early 2000s.

According to Football Outsiders, the Jets went from 27th in passing offense DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) in 2014 to 10th a year ago.

Defense is unlikely to be a concern for New York in 2016. Bowles built strong units as a coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, and he helped the Jets become one of the most defensively formidable teams in his first season as a head coach.

Jets fans are aware of how important it is to have a productive offense, however. Former head coach Rex Ryan got the team to the AFC Championship Game in his first two years, but erratic quarterback play was New York's undoing.

Having a healthy Marshall on the field is imperative for the Jets as they try to get back to the postseason. The arrival of running back Matt Forte takes some of the pressure off the passing game, but New York needs a consistent aerial attack to thrive.