With the official 53-man roster set, the New York Jets are now hoping that progress can be made after an inconsistent preseason. The biggest question mark is whether or not Ryan Fitzpatrick is enough to get the team by while Geno Smith works to make his return. The veteran quarterback was reportedly not healthy during the preseason which could rush the return of Smith sooner rather than later.
According to head coach Todd Bowles, the reason the Jets made so many roster additions to the quarterback role was because Fitzpatrick has not been healthy during the preseason which could either be good or bad news for fans. When Fitzpatrick came to the Jets he was still healing from a broken leg. That could have been playing a role into his health during the preseason. Bowles would only call it simple nicks and bruises, but there is a question of what his health is entering the first game of the regular season. However, Bowles would not acknowledge the idea of putting Bryce Petty as the backup quarterback for Fitzpatrick.
"Bryce has gotten better each week," Bowles said, via ESPN.com. "To say that the other guys that came in so late would know more than him at that point in time, we'd be lying. Bryce knows a little more than them. They have more experience than him, but not having a full grasp of the offense, you'd be getting pretty much the same thing. We just kept Bryce because we have a lot invested in him, so we're going to give him some reps."
At the moment, the Jets will enter the season with Fitzpatrick as the starter and Petty the backup. That is not very encouraging for fans. Could this push the return of Smith? According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the quarterback is looking better and better as he reported to practice with a helmet on after breaking his jaw and undergoing surgery. There is still not a definite timetable for Smith's full return to the Jets, but it is clear the team needs him now more than ever.
The Jets need playmakers and they need them quickly. Running back Stevan Ridley is hitting the PUP list to start the season. Jace Amaro is now on injured reserve. Devin Smith is making his way back from a rib injury. The Jets have Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall and Jeremy Kerley as their go-to threats and not much else. The team could eye one more addition before the season begins.
