Geno Smith's debut as the New York Jets' starting quarterback ended early after injuring his right knee during the Week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was replaced by backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who might take on the starting role in the upcoming match against the Cleveland Browns.
On Sunday, Smith suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after getting sacked by Ravens defensive end Matt Judon. The hit sent Smith limping back to the sidelines during the second quarter.
Fitzpatrick, who was the former starter of the Jets before he was replaced by Smith at Week 7, then stepped onto the field and managed to lead the Jets to a victory against the Ravens, ending the team's four-game losing streak.
Following the game on Sunday, Smith underwent MRI to check on the status of his condition. Although team sources noted that the athlete is currently doing fine and that his injury is not that serious, there are no confirmations yet if he will be able to return to the filed on Sunday.
If Smith's condition worsens, or if he is not given the clearance to play, then Fitzpatrick will most likely return to his starting role. He will most likely welcome this decision since he has been very vocal against the team's move to demote him as the backup quarterback.
"I don't like it," he said after the Jets promoted Smith as the team's starter. "I'm disappointed, and I'm disappointed that we're making the change, but disappointed in my play this year as well."
"The competitor in me really wants to be out there, and the guy that was the leader of this team last year and the beginning of this year wants to be out there," he added.
Hopefully though, Fitzpatrick's return to his former position will yield better results for the team. During his time as a starter, he was only able to secure one win out of six games. If, however, the team decides that Fitzpatrick is still not fit to be the team's main passer, then it will most likely turn to Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg to take on the quarterback role.
