New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith was cleared by doctors and returned to practice Wednesday for the first time in six weeks since suffering a broken jaw, but he will not return as the starter, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.
Smith suffered the broken jaw during a training camp altercation with former Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali. Smith could be active this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the only position he is fighting for is backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
"It's possible, it's between him and Bryce (Petty), (we'll) see how much he learns this week," said head coach Todd Bowles, according to the New York Daily News. "One of them will be the No. 2 quarterback, he could be."
It's been a long fall for the 2013 second round pick, and if Fitzpatrick keeps playing well it's unlikely we'll see Smith back on the field this season. Smith had showed improvement from year one to year two, dropping his interception numbers and raising his completion percentage. But his numbers and his play didn't seem NFL-ready and Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken advantage of being the top guy.
Through two games the Jets have beaten both the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts. While the Jets defense is the key to this team's success, Fitzpatrick's play has truly helped elevate the offense. Fitzpatrick has thrown for 423 yards with four touchdowns in two games. The Jets play a desperate Philadelphia Eagles team that will be looking for its first win.
Smith will be battling for the second spot with rookie quarterback Petty. Petty was a phenomenal quarterback in college but is believed to not be ready for the NFL yet. The interesting thing will be if Smith suits up this weekend and Fitzpatrick goes down, who do the Jets put in? That's a decision for Bowles to make, but he is likely hoping he won't have to make that decision because they are on a role with Fitzpatrick right now.
