The New York Jets quarterback situation just got a bit clearer, but in perhaps the most bizarre way possible.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Geno Smith was involved in a locker room altercation on Tuesday and suffered a broken jaw. He is expected to miss six to ten weeks, will undergo surgery and will thus be unavailable for the start of the regular season.
Huge news out of #Jets camp: Geno Smith out 6-10 weeks after being punched in the face in the locker room. Broken jaw, will require surgery.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 11, 2015
Geno Smith Injured in Locker Room Altercation, To Miss 6-10 Weeks
The incident reportedly occurred during a team meeting with head coach Todd Bowles. Though it remains unclear what precipitated the fight, linebacker IK Enemkpali punched Smith in the face, leading to the injury. Enemkpali has been immediately released from the Jets.
Todd Bowles tells reporters IK Enemkpali hit Geno Smith in the jaw. He broke it, Enemkpali was released and Geno is out 6-8 weeks.
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) August 11, 2015
Smith was heading into the third season of his career in what has been characterized by many as a make or break season for him. Last season was one to forget for him and the team as a whole. Smith threw just as many touchdowns as interceptions and was benched in week eight after throwing three picks in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets would finish 4-12, leading to the house cleaning that brought in the current coaching staff, including Bowles.
The former West Virginia signal caller was expected to compete with offseason signing Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job throughout the course of training camp. This new development makes it likely that the 32-year-old Fitzpatrick, entering his 11th year in the league, will start week one. The other two quarterbacks on the roster are both rookies in fourth-round draft pick Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps, who signed as an undrafted free agent.
The Jets open their preseason schedule this Thursday on the road against the Detroit Lions.
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