FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets remain hopeful Ryan Fitzpatrick will play Sunday after the quarterback had surgery on his left thumb last week.
Coach Todd Bowles says Monday he wants to see how - and if - Fitzpatrick practices during the week leading up to the game against the Texans in Houston. Fitzpatrick had a torn ligament in the thumb on his non-throwing hand repaired last Friday, a day after New York's 22-17 loss to Buffalo.
Fitzpatrick was given the day off Monday and the team doesn't have practice again until Wednesday. Bowles says Fitzpatrick must be able to practice to play.
If Fitzpatrick is unable to play, Geno Smith would start in his place. It appears the biggest factors will be how the wound heals and Fitzpatrick's pain tolerance.
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