Ryan Fitzpatrick Injury: Updates on Jets QB's Recovery from Thumb Surgery

New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick exited the Week 8 game against the Oakland Raiders early in the first quarter with a thumb injury. He went on to start the next two games but had surgery to repair the ligament damage in mid-November.

He was ready to return to the field in Week 11.

Continue for updates.

---

Fitzpatrick Active for Week 11

Sunday, Nov. 22

Fitzpatrick was not on the Jets' inactive list for the game against the Houston Texans.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said on Friday that Fitzpatrick "is fine [and] he'll play," per Rich Cimini of ESPN.

---

Latest on Fitzpatrick's Practice Status

Wednesday, Nov. 18

While the Jets announced Fitzpatrick was back at practice and participating in drills with quarterbacks, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported Fitzpatrick "technically" did not practice and just threw "a bit" on the side.

---

Fitzpatrick's Presence Vital for Jets Down the Stretch

The Jets improved their overall outlook and talent level this offseason by adding wide receiver Brandon Marshall, cornerback Darrelle Revis and cornerback Antonio Cromartie among others, but questions surrounding the quarterback position hovered over the team and dampened expectations before the season started.

Geno Smith took over from Fitzpatrick and struggled. Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 265 yards, tossing two touchdowns and an interception in a 34-20 loss to the Raiders. Smith suffered a shoulder injury in the game, which was a concern heading into Week 9, though he was eventually listed as active.

Fitzpatrick is a proven veteran who is familiar with the offense. Ultimately, the Jets need him healthy for the remainder of the season if they hope to challenge the New England Patriots for AFC East supremacy.