Even on the heels of Geno Smith being placed on injured reserve, New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles doesn’t seem prepared to make a commitment to struggling quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Bowles was asked if it's 'safe to say Fitz will start until they're mathematically eliminated,' Bowles said "No, it's not safe to say."
— Chris Nimbley (@Cnimbley) October 26, 2016
Maybe this is meant to continue lighting a fire under Fitzpatrick, but it really does seem nonsensical. New York has very limited options at quarterback, options that include rookie Christian Hackenberg and third stringer Bryce Petty.
Even if the team wanted to see what it had in each young quarterback, it’s safe to say neither is prepared to take to an NFL field.
Hackenberg, a second-round pick of the team this past spring, struggled through off-season activities and training camp. He’s ways away from being considered a legitimate option under center. Meanwhile, Petty almost missed out on the 53-man roster altogether leading up to the season.
To be clear, it’s most definitely a quandary for Bowles and Co. At 33 years old, Fitzpartick is turning in the worst season of his largely unassuming career. He’s posted a league high 11 interceptions and was benched in favor of the now injured Geno Smith for last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
There’s very little reason to believe Fitzpatrick has a future in New York beyond this season. Going with a youngster to play out the string could make sense. Whether the Jets believe either of those guys is ready to take regular season snaps remains to be seen.