New York Jets fans might be able to breathe a sigh of relief just a few short days after they were left wondering what would happen next for their starting quarterback, Geno Smith.
Smith was ‘sucker punched’ and had his jaw broken by former teammate IK Enemkpali. Reportedly the scuffle was over $600 that IK lost over Smith not being able to attend one of his camps. The initial diagnosis had smith missing 6-10 weeks and that would project him not being able to return to the team until after their bye week on week 5.
According to a report from the New York Daily News,
Smith “was up in (Enemkpali’s) face and pointed/touched his face,” a source told The News.
“Geno deserved it,” another source said.
Smith underwent jaw surgery recently and the news of Smith’s procedure might have surprised some people and could mean some good news for the team.
Following from the Jets twitter account.
QB Geno Smith (jaw) underwent surgery and will remain in the hospital overnight. Plates and screws were inserted; his jaw was not wired shut
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 13, 2015
Dr. David J. Chao, an orthopedic surgeon who was a former NFL head team physician with 17 years of sideline experience, shed some light on the Geno Smith diagnosis and says that Smith could return to the team for their week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Good news for @nyjets fans. GENO SMITH plate/screws, jaw not wired shut. Anticipate less than 6-10 wks. Week 1likely.
https://t.co/5dVIJdzFfx
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) August 14, 2015
Jaw not wired shut indicates stable fracture fixation with plates. Quicker return. #GenoSmith @nyjets @BartHubbuch
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) August 14, 2015
GENO SMITH @nyjets likely with tension bands to support jaw even though not wired shut. Can eat softer foods. Will beat 6-10 weeks return.
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) August 14, 2015
Do not anticipate problems with cadence, snap count or changing plays at line of scrimmage for GENO SMITH @nyjets by week 1.
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) August 14, 2015
If this news from Dr. Chao is accurate about Smith avoiding the Kanye West treatment, then this is great news for the team. Smith could be back on the field for the Jets and be under center when they start the season. He may arguably be the Jets best option at quarterback so getting this news of Smith’s procedure is just what Jets fans want to hear.
The Jets might have struggled as a team in their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions last night but Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid game as the starting quarterback. Fitzpatrick completed two of three passes for 16 yards, and lead a 10-play, 41-yard drive that ended with a field goal, the Jets lone score of the night. Head coach Todd Bowles said he limited Fitzpatrick because he hadn’t had much time to work with the starters.
