Geno Smith had his jaw surgically repaired with plates and screws today and will remain in the hospital overnight.
Smith, the Jets starting quarterback who had his jaw broken by a punch at the hands of his now-former teammate IK Enemkpali, did not have to get his jaw wired shut. Maybe that’s some small solace.
The Jets have said Smith is expected to miss 6-10 weeks as he recovers from surgery. That would put his return at somewhere between Week Three and Week Seven.
Without Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Jets’ starting quarterback. If Fitzpatrick plays well, he’ll keep the job even after Smith returns. Fitzpatrick gets his first chance to show what he can do with the first-string offense when he takes the field against the Lions in tonight’s preseason opener.