Jets place Pierce on IR with hamstring injury

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets have placed running back Bernard Pierce on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and signed veteran running back Antone Smith.

Pierce was signed by the Jets when training camp started last month to replace Zac Stacy, who was waived after failing his physical while coming off a broken ankle last season. Pierce spent last season with Jacksonville after three years with Baltimore. He had been hampered by the hamstring injury the past few weeks.

Smith spent last season with Chicago, where he had one carry for 11 yards. He was with Atlanta for six years and has rushed for 297 yards and four touchdowns, and caught 15 passes for 232 yards and three scores in…