RADIO
The New York Jets received some good news and some bad news today. First, lets start with the good news. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been cleared to start in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite a thumb injury to his non-throwing hand.
Coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Wednesday that Fitzpatrick is expected to play in Week 9 and he will get the nod to start over Geno Smith.
Fitzpatrick will enter Week 9 with 133 completions on 215 passing attempts for a completion percentage of 61.9. He has thrown for 1518 yards and 11 touchdowns through seven games. He has thrown seven interceptions.
Smith is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, so it should be comforting for the Jets to hear that Fitzpatrick is good to go. If Smith nor Fitzpatrick were able to play, the team would turn to rookie Bryce Petty.
The Jets will enter Week 9 with a 4-3 record, but the team is currently on a two game losing streak with losses to the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders.
Now, for the bad news: Star wide receiver Brandon Marshall was not seen practicing on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. To make matters worse, Eric Decker was not seen practicing either. Decker is dealing with a lingering knee injury.
Marshall’s injury is not believed to be new, so he will likely suit up in Week 9 against the Jaguars. Against the Raiders last week, Marshall was targeted 18 times. The Jets shouldn’t have to throw the football as much against the Jaguars, but Marshall should still see plenty of carries – especially if Decker isn’t able to play.
Decker, however, is expected to play against the Jaguars as well. He has been struggling with his banged up knee for quite awhile. The team has decided to limit Decker’s practice time in hopes that he’ll be able to keep playing without missing a game.
As long as the Jets are able to get Chris Ivory and the run game going, the team should be able to put up enough points to make fantasy football owners happy in Week 9. I would consider Fitzpatrick a QB2, Marshall a WR2 and Decker a WR3, but keep an eye out for injury updates on all players.
Ivory can be considered a RB1 against the Jaguars this week. I’m expecting him to have a great game.
