Quarterback Geno Smith is back with the New York Jets after being out for six weeks due to a broken jaw suffered in an altercation with a former teammate. Now, he is competing to be the backup quarterback.
Smith lost the starting job because of the injury and Jets head coach Todd Bowles decided to give the starting nod to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who has contributed efficiently to the team's 2–0 start this season.
The jaw injury kept Smith out for the entire preseason; now, he finds himself looking to win backup duties competing against rookie Bryce Petty.
ESPN reported that Bowles did not want to automatically start Smith in his return because of the amount of time he missed.
"He has to get the physical reps and get used to being out there again. But his mental side has been sharp. He was sharp out there today," Bowles said of Smith following Wednesday's practice.
In a report by the New York Post, Smith revealed that he is unhappy he is no longer the starting quarterback for the Jets but it will not change his approach.
"I'm not bitter about it. I understand why. I'm going to go out and keep supporting my teammates," Smith added.
Despite not starting for the Jets, the 24-year-old quarterback calls Fitzpatrick a great guy whom he is learning from.
Last season, Smith played in 14 games, including 13 starts, and registered 219 completions for 2,525 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick is playing in his first year with the Jets this season and has 37 completions for 423 yards and four touchdowns in two games.
Even if Smith returns and show great progress, Bowles already said that New York will stick with Fitzpatrick as the team's starter.
The Jets will try to remain undefeated in Week 3 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles at the MetLife Stadium on Sept. 27.
