Frank Gore may not have to carry the entire load out of the backfield on Sunday. Rookie running back La’Mical Perine took a significant step toward making his NFL debut, practicing on a limited basis Thursday after missing last Sunday’s opener with an ankle injury.

The fourth-round pick out of Florida would be a welcome addition with Le’Veon Bell (hamstring) out for at least the next three games after being placed on injured reserve.

“I mean he’s a tough kid, he’s pushing it, he’s tired of standing on the sideline, he wants to be out there,” Jets coach Adam Gase said via Zoom. “He sees our situation as far as where our numbers are at right now. He knows if he’s right and he’s able to play on Sunday, that he could help us out.”

Gase would prefer to not overwork the 37-year-old Gore, and having Perine available would enable him to avoid doing that. Despite not practicing since hurting his ankle on Aug. 30 and not returning until Thursday, Gase thinks the rookie can help the Jets, raving about his study habits and work ethic.

“I’m not concerned with him mentally,” Gase said. “I feel like he’s in a good spot. He’s a football junkie.”

Quarterback Sam Darnold seemed excited about the prospect of Perine playing.

“He has big play written all over him,” Darnold said. “So, if he’s healthy, we’re looking to get him involved and seeing what he can do with the ball in his hands.”

The Jets could get back a key piece to their defense in inside linebacker Avery Williamson. For the second straight day, he practiced on a limited basis and his workload increased. With fellow inside linebacker Blake Cashman (groin) out at least the next three games after being placed on IR, Williamson would be a significant addition.

Rookie left tackle Mekhi Becton (knee) practiced fully Thursday after he was limited a day earlier and Gase said he is fine. … Quarterback Joe Flacco (neck) was limited and linebacker Tarell Basham (hip) was added to the injury list. He was also limited.

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