But it will be business as usual after the Easter weekend in readiness for the clash with the Hammers, and then Sunderland's visit four days later.
It has been a busy month for Latics, with long trips to Gillingham and Brighton as well as away days at Coventry and Nottingham Forest.
There has also been testing home games against Ipswich and Millwall, so Jewell is anxious the players get a well-earned rest ahead of the final seven-match run in.
He said: "This week we are going to give the lads a bit of a breather because one or two need a rest, so the break might have come at a good time.
"We all need to relax as much as we can do with having no game this weekend.
"Whether the break is a good or bad thing, we'll see when we play West Ham, but I think everyone welcomes it.
"At this stage of the season, rest and relaxation can be just as important as the work done on the training ground."
Jewell reported that top scorer Nathan Ellington is one player who could do with the mini-break to help some bumps and bruises heal.
His troublesome shoulder could also do with some rest to help him get through the rest of the season.
Jewell said: "The Duke came off at Nottingham Forest on Saturday because he's been feeling one or two injuries and I thought Brett Ormerod could give us some fresh legs."
Alan Mahon and Emerson Thome should also be approaching full fitness in time for the next game.
Mahon hasn't played since the 3-0 win over Leeds last month due to a knee injury while Thome's absence has been a week longer with hamstring and calf trouble.
Meanwhile, Ormerod is eyeing a first appearance at the JJB when West Ham visit.
The on-loan striker's previous games in Wigan were all at Springfield Park and he is keen to do well at Latics' current home.
He said: "I only saw the stadium for the first time when I went there to sign on Friday and I was very impressed.
"I played at Springfield Park a few times and did okay, but the JJB is a fantastic ground and it will be nice to have the opportunity to play there.
"This is a great move for me and being from the region is a big advantage.
"I'm from Blackburn and being only 20 minutes on the motorway from my family makes things easier."