The New York Jets benched quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick heading into their Week 7 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, but the benching lasted less than two quarters. Quarterback Geno Smith suffered a knee injury that he did not think was overly serious. It turns out it was more serious than anybody expected. Ian Rapoport is reporting (confirmed by other reporters) that Smith suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season.
Smith is a free agent after this season, so I suppose first off, insert your Trent Baalke jokes here.
The 49ers face the Jets in Week 14, in a game that could feature huge implications for the 2017 NFL Draft. The 49ers are 1-6, while the Jets are 2-5. New York beat Baltimore on Sunday, with Ryan Fitzpatrick completing 9 of 14 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
The Jets have not announced their plans at the position as they prepare to travel to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. At some point, either Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty might be an option if things continue going south. Fitzpatrick is signed to a one-year deal, and has shown little to suggest he is worth re-signing after this season. If the Jets keep struggling, there is a good chance Hackenberg or Petty is starting when they travel to Santa Clara.