Geno Smith has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, silencing the New York Jets’ quarterback controversy in the worst way imaginable.
Sources: Based on initial MRI, belief is that #Jets QB Geno Smith tore his ACL. Incredible. Players in the locker room are learning about it— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2016
Smith took the starting QB reins from a struggling Ryan Fitzpatrick for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, and two quarters into his first start since the 2014 season, the former second-round pick left the game after landing awkwardly on a sack by Ravens defensive end Matt Judon.
After being evaluated in the locker room, Smith’s presence on the sideline drew some criticism.
If you've got a right knee injury keeping you out of the game why are you standing on the sideline the entire 2nd half? How bad can it be?— Joe Namath (@RealJoeNamath) October 23, 2016
And initial reports Monday indicated Smith’s benching was precautionary and the knee was “fine.”
#Jets believe QB Geno Smith’s knee is “fine,” source said. MRI is considered a precaution, though an important one. So was keeping him out.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2016
That no longer appears to be the case. And while Fitzpatrick steered the Jets to victory, the Jets must now move forward with a starting quarterback who threw 11 interceptions against five touchdowns through the first six weeks of this season, got benched and complained about the decision publicly.
Either that, or they’re looking at backups Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg to right the ship.
At least the Jets (2-5) draw the winless Browns this Sunday, although a loss to Cleveland would spell disaster for a franchise that won 10 games last season (but hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2010).
As for Smith, the knee injury calls his career into question. He was playing out the final year of his four-year contract in New York and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. According to the New York Daily News, Smith approached a team official in hopes of rebuilding his on- and off-field tarnished image and cashing in this summer. Sunday’s start was a step in the right direction, as he threw for 95 yards and a touchdown before suffering the knee injury.
Now? His future remains uncertain. The same could be said for the Jets.
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