Geno Smith will be sidelined for the next six to 10 weeks following a locker-room altercation, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters today, including Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter links). Smith was punched by teammate IK Enemkpali and suffered a broken jaw, which will require surgery, per Costello (Twitter link). Enemkpali has been waived by the Jets.
According to Bowles, the argument between Smith and Enemkpali wasn’t football related — the head coach called it “childish,” and referred to Enemkpali’s blow as a “sucker punch” (Twitter links via Costello).
“It’s something we don’t tolerate,” Bowles said (Twitter link). “It’s something we can’t stand. You don’t walk up to another man and punch him in the face.”
With Smith now sidelined for the start of the regular season, Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in an offseason trade with the Texans, looks poised to begin the 2015 campaign as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rookie Bryce Petty will also be in the mix, but he likely isn’t ready to play just yet, so the team may consider adding a veteran backup until Smith is able to return to the field.
If the Jets determine that Smith will miss closer to 10 weeks than six, the injured reserve with the designation to return is a possibility for him. That IR-DTR slot would sideline Smith for the first eight weeks of games, allowing him to practice six weeks into the season. However, that likely won’t be an option if the club expects him to be ready two or three weeks into the regular season.
As for Enemkpali, the 2014 sixth-rounder was one of John Idzik‘s final draft picks for the Jets. The former Louisiana Tech pass rusher only saw the field sparingly in his rookie season, playing 40 defensive snaps and contributing a little on special teams as well. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent if and when he clears waivers.
To replace Enemkpali on their roster, the Jets have signed cornerback Javier Arenas, the team announced (via Twitter). The veteran corner, who has experience returning punts and kicks, started nine games for the Chiefs’ defense in 2012, and last played for the Falcons in 2014. Arenas also played on Bowles’ defense in Arizona in 2013.
Hahahahaha
Foolish…
Love it lol!!!
Now who’s the QB?
Pickspatrick
You can dress them up, but they are still the Jets
He may have helped the jets by knocking out geno
Did the head coach or GM pay him?
Wow. …. how cowboyish
can’t keep the Cowboys out of your mouth? pathetic lol
Talk about foolish???? What is in the water at these training camps????
We know who’s not making the roster
LOL,,
The whole team is a Joke
Don’t see ANY humor in this…doesn’t matter what team this is…just a cowardly act….
Usually the dumpster fire doesn’t get lit till a few weeks into the season. Way to go J-E-T-S.
Wtffffffff who tf is this guy… nooooooooo
Maybe the Jets have a chance now
How is it a “sucker punch” if the man walks up to you IN your face? It’s not like he hit him when Geno wasn’t looking.
Not even sure what your point is – you still don’t punch a teammate
Geno was a bust anyway. Can the Jets now move away from him on a permanent basis???
And they say the Patriots have no class SMH
Sorry Brandon, now who’s going to toss you the rock?
Yo yo Michael Vick in da house!
Imagine That!!! LMAO
Barkley to the Jets now. Tebow makes the Eagles roster.
They were done anyway. With geno or without
He’s no cam newton thats for sure
Bear Down!
Wow, grown men throwing punches cant take it when a coach(chip kelly) doesnt baby em. I thought this was football..man tf up
Daaaaammmnn.. was really believing in geno this year. Wtf kind of name is ik? Does he really have to be out so long with a broken jaw? Let him do rest of training on virtual reality then start week one. This was the most I looked forward to jets football in probably 5 years. Damn
In other news, the Patriots sign former Jet IK Enemkpali to a 2 yr “you proved it” deal
Since when did walking up to someone and punching him in the face come to be known as a sucker punch?
There’s some team work for you. Chew on that jets fans. I hear a plane crashing.
Goodell is going to give the puncher 2 games and Geno 4 games!
Hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
This is the most Jets thing I have ever seen
It wasn’t a cowardly act! You put your finger up in a mans face your going to get knocked out! Plain and simple. I bet Gino no longer gets all up in another mans face. Lesson learned.