There’s no change in the timetable for Geno Smith’s eventual return to action, Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday, which means Smith will be inactive for at least one more game.
Smith is still recovering -- and still not practicing -- after suffering a broken jaw when he was punched in the locker room by then-teammate and current Bills linebacker IK Enemkpali on Aug. 11. The team said then it expected Smith to miss at least six weeks, so Smith could be nearing a return to action.
He’s just not there yet.
The Jets cut Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson at the end of the preseason, choosing to keep just rookie Bryce Petty behind new starter Ryan Fitzpatrick while Smith recovers. Last week the Jets listed Smith as a non-participant for all three usual days of practice on their injury report.
Whether the Jets going with just two available quarterbacks now is a sign Smith could be close to a return -- or if he’ll immediately replace Fitzpatrick when healthy -- remains to be seen. The Jets play at Indianapolis Monday night, and the day after that game will mark exactly six weeks since Smith suffered the injury, so there could be a more newsworthy update next week.
The Jets play the Eagles on Sept. 27 and at the Dolphins on Oct. 4 before having a bye week, so if Smith’s recovery remains on schedule the Jets could be afforded extra days to make a decision before their Oct. 18 game at the Redskins. Or, maybe Fitzpatrick will play like he did last week and Smith will remain a spectator even after getting cleared.
Enemkpali was claimed via waivers by the Bills the day after the incident and suspended four games by the NFL last week.