The New York Jets had two quarterbacks active for Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders. They almost needed a third, as both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith suffered injuries in the game.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith both get hurt Sunday; fantasy owners might have to scramble
The Jets’ starting quarterback could be out a while. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Fitzpatrick was hurt on the Jets’ first drive of the game, suffering what was reported as torn ligaments in his left thumb, not his throwing hand. He left the game and was replaced by Smith, but had to re-enter the game late in the fourth quarter briefly when Smith suffered a shoulder injury. Smith came back into the game after his injury and said after the game that he was confident he’d play in Week 9. That might be necessary, as Fitzpatrick’s injury could keep him out multiple weeks, as evidenced by the fact that the Jets were linked to multiple free-agent quarterbacks before Sunday even ended.
Fitzpatrick completed four of his five pass attempts Sunday for 46 yards, running the ball once for 12 yards. Smith was more active, going 27-of-42 passing for 265 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and rushing the ball twice for 34 yards.
Fantasy impact: This is a frustrating injury for Fitzpatrick, who was having one of his best seasons. We’ll learn more about his prognosis Monday, but for now, fantasy owners should assume there won’t be a relevant Fitzpatrick in lineups for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Smith sounds like he’ll be able to play in Week 9, which will make him once again the starting New York Jets quarterback. Against Jacksonville, Smith could be on the QB2 radar.
