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New York Jets starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered a broken jaw Tuesday morning when he was sucker-punched by linebacker IK Enemkpali in the locker room.
The New York Times’ Ben Shpigel has the news:
Holy Moly: Geno smith got sucker punched in locker room this morning. Broken jaw. Out 6-10 weeks at least.
Here’s everything you need to know about the wild altercation and developing details.
1. Enemkpali Was Arrested in College
Enemkpali (No. 99), a sixth-round pick last year, has been released from the team after breaking Geno Smith’s jaw.
Enemkpali, 24, was a star at Louisiana Tech before being selected by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2014 draft, but he had some character concerns. While a freshman in college, he was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace and battery of a police officer.
According to new head coach Todd Bowles, via Shpigel, Enemkpali walked up to Smith and punched him in the face. Enemkpali was immediately released:
What provoked the altercation? Bowles: “It was something very childish that 6th graders could have talked about.”
Although Bowles called Enemkpali the culprit, former New York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason and Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo suggested Smith was also somewhat at fault for the altercation:
From what I was told, Smith put his finger in Enemkpali’s face during an argument and that’s what led to the punch.
Bottom line if you owe somebody money pay your debt. Don’t be surprised if you get punched in the face if you don’t.
2. Smith Is Out 6-10 Weeks
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith broke his jaw in two places, putting his timetable for a return somewhere in the vicinity of two months:
Am told Jets’ QB Geno Smith’s jaw was broken in two places. Now out 6-10 weeks.
Six weeks from now would bring Smith back September 22, which is the day after the Jets’ Week 2 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts. Ten weeks would mean he misses five regular season games.
3. Ryan Fitzpatrick Is Next in Line As Jets Starter
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Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, aka the Amish Rifle, started 12 games last year with the Houston Texans, completing 63.1 percent of his throws for 2,483 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, which scouts players based on film and more than just the typical stats, he received grade of 8.8. That was good enough for 12th among all qualified quarterbacks.
A broken leg ultimately ended his season, but he has shown “no ill effects” from the December injury during training camp.
While this injury is unfortunate, Fitzpatrick is the kind of backup who has the ability to keep the team afloat, especially considering his experience in Buffalo with Chan Gailey’s offense. From 2010 through 2012, Fitzpatrick had his three most productive years under center, averaging 3,411 passing yards and 24 touchdowns per season under Gailey, who is now the Jets’ offensive coordinator.
4. 2 Rookies Are After Fitzpatrick on the Depth Chart
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Should something happen to Fitzpatrick, however, things are going to get a bit dicey for the Jets. After him on the depth chart are a pair of rookies, Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps.
Petty, a star at Baylor the last couple of seasons, was taken in the fourth round, while Heaps, who spent time at BYU, Kansas and Miami, is an undrafted free agent.
5. Smith Has Started 29 Games in His 2 Years as a Jet
Once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick, Smith slipped to the Jets in the second round of the 2013 draft. He has struggled since, completing just 57.5 percent of his throws for 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.
However, he has shown glimpses of encouraging play throughout his time in the Big Apple, and reports out of training camp thus far had been extremely encouraging for Year No. 3.
“He looks like a man in control; that’s the best way to put it,” said ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “Smith’s command of the offense is “night and day from the spring and from OTAs.”
Alas, Smith’s development will be put on hold for what will go down as one of the most embarrassing moments of the season.