Ryan Fitzpatrick to start Sunday despite needing thumb surgery

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who left last week’s game with a thumb injury, will start Sunday against the Jaguars.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who left last week’s game with a thumb injury, will start Sunday against the Jaguars, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday.

Fitzpatrick injured the thumb on his non-throwing hand early in New York’s game against the Raiders and was ruled out for the rest of the game. He returned later when Geno Smith was also injured, though he admitted after the game that the injury prevented him from gripping the ball properly. 

Bowles said earlier in the week that Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with torn ligaments in his thumb and will eventually need surgery to repair the damage. The surgery, however, can be put off until the end of the season. 

• Lions LB DeAndre Levy (hip) placed on injured reserve

Fitzpatrick wore a glove on the injured hand during practice on Wednesday.

Fitzy rocking the glove. pic.twitter.com/8pQduhElLF

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 4, 2015

Smith injured his non-throwing shoulder but did participate in practice Wednesday. 

The Jets (4–3) face the Jaguars at home on Sunday afternoon.

- Dan Gartland