Heading into Week 11, the New York Jets have issues with injuries. The biggest is the one to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The starting quarterback suffered a ligament injury in the thumb of his non-throwing hand which he opted to have surgery on Friday following the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Fitzpatrick was originally expected to be healthy come Week 11, but now head coach Todd Bowles admits he is not certain about the quarterback picture against Houston.
Bowles told the media via Rich Cimini of ESPN that Fitzpatrick was uncertain for Week 11 play. The quarterback has undergone surgery on his left thumb and was not at practice following the weekend off. Bowles noted that he was hopeful the quarterback would be healthy to play, but he was not committing to the idea seeing as the veteran was not able to practice. Fitzpatrick himself told the media that he fully expected to play in the upcoming game, but ultimately he will not get to make the final call. If Fitzpatrick is not able to go in Week 11, Geno Smith will get the starting nod and a chance to prove himself for the future.
The Jets did get some good news at practice on Monday as Quincy Enunwa returned following a four-game suspension. The receiver is needed at the moment. Eric Decker suffered a shoulder injury on Thursday. Devin Smith is struggling to step up in his rookie season. Jeremy Kerley is not consistent enough. Having more depth on the roster outside of Decker and Brandon Marshall who have been handling the passing game, but getting double covered all game.
The Jets will also aim to get Stevan Ridley more involved in Week 11. The Jets lost Zac Stacy for the season to an ankle injury. That is a hit to the offense as he was the primary backup to Chris Ivory since Bilal Powell is hurt. The Jets have not signed a replacement and instead want Ridley to play a bigger role. He was quiet in his debut against the Bills, but Bowles expects to work him in more as the weeks continue.
"He's not rusty," Bowles said, via NJ.com. "He's getting there. Ridley just started practicing about three weeks ago. You just can't jump in and play. Even though you think you're ready, you still have to go through some things to get ready."
It seems like a lock that Fitzpatrick is on the field for Week 11. He did play through the injury before having surgery on it. However, Smith could be the option if he gets more practice this week. Having a healthier roster will be key for the quarterback, but Bowles made it clear that he fully supports Smith being the starter if need be.
"I'm fine with him starting," said Bowles, via NJ.com. "He's making great progress. He's learned a lot under Ryan. He threw the ball well in Oakland, for the most part. So if he has to play, we'll just keep on moving."