The New York Jets got an unwanted name on their injury report heading into a Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Ryan Fitzpatrick appeared with a right elbow injury. This is notable considering it is his throwing arm. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Fitzpatrick still fully participated in practice, but could this change the game plan for the Jets?
Elbow injuries have hit Fitzpatrick before and the quarterback was able to play, so should the Jets be concerned as they creep up once again? Cimini reports that Fitzpatrick will not be placed on any kind of pitch count nor will he be limited in the offense. However, the Jets understand that the more Fitzpatrick throws the ball, the worse he gets. According to ESPN, the quarterback is 10-51 when he throws more than 30 times. That is where Chris Ivory and the return of Stevan Ridley become important.
According to Cimini, Ridley has returned to practice after nursing a knee injury. Ridley was the Jets' big offseason signing to help the run game. The Jets have not needed Ridley with the breakout season Chris Ivory is having, but with Bilal Powell expected to be out, having Ridley to work with will be important. The game plan for the game against the Patriots is expected to be run heavy like always. With doubts in the receiving game, Ivory becomes more important than ever to get the big win. The running back says he is more than ready.
"He's always been effective, in my opinion, and it's going well and they keep feeding him," said New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, via ESPN.com. "I'd say he's a guy who gets stronger as the game goes on. ... He's hard to tackle in the first quarter. He's hard to tackle in the fourth quarter."
Head coach Todd Bowles has been critical of the passing game for the Jets. The criticism was not geared towards Fitzpatrick, but the team's lack of emerging options. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker have been handling things, but against the tough secondary of the Patriots, they could have issues. Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis have been non-existent while Devin Smith is trying to get more playing time. With Chris Owusu likely out and Kenbrell Thompkins coming up from the practice squad, Ivory along with Ridley and Zac Stacy will have to play their best if New York intends to upset the Patriots and end their perfect season.
