Geno Smith‘s return to the Jets’ starting lineup did not last, and the team made the procedural move to place the former second-round pick on IR, Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports.
The fourth-year quarterback tore his ACL against the Ravens and as a result will cede the reins back to Ryan Fitzpatrick, whom he replaced briefly. Although Fitzpatrick had a career year in 2015 that induced the Jets to re-sign him for $12MM, this will mark the second time he’s stepped in for Smith due to injury.
The first, as a result of then-teammate IK Enemkpali‘s sucker punch, changed Smith’s trajectory with the Jets. The second looks like it will end his Gang Green tenure.
Smith’s contract expires after this season, with the Jets having only Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg signed past 2016. The former West Viginia signal-caller started 30 games for the Jets in 2013-14 and ’16, throwing 28 touchdown passes compared to 36 interceptions. Once regarded as a first-round talent, Smith holds a 12-18 career record and has completed 57.9% of his passes.
New York’s quarterback position could be categorized as unstable after Fitzpatrick’s comments regarding the team’s belief in him and the lack of experience of the new Nos. 2-3 passers on the depth chart. But Fitz will start this weekend against the Browns and is once again the Jets’ short-term answer.