QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is active. #LAvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/XdC0okclNC
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 13, 2016
While Ryan Fitzpatrick is active for today’s game, Bryce Petty will indeed get his first NFL start. Petty and Fitzpatrick split reps with the starters this week in practice, so Bowles likely knew his decision well before news broke last night. Fitzpatrick will backup Petty, and Hackenberg will remain on the bench. It’s a wise move to keep Hackenberg out, even with Fitzpatrick banged up. Nick Mangold will be out again after missing practice all week, leaving the offensive line hurting. Devin Smith was activated off the PUP list this week, but will have to wait to get his chance to contribute.
Other inactives include: Marcus Williams, Bruce Carter, Josh Martin, and Brandon Shell
After injuring his ankle last week, Marcus Williams is expected to miss multiple weeks. To replenish the roster the Jets signed corner Dexter McDougle from the practice squad. McDougle, a former third round pick, has only played in 14 games since being drafted and only has three total tackles and a pass defended. To make room for McDougle, the Jets waived tight end Kellen Davis.
Both linebackers Bruce Carter and Josh Martin are inactive this week, but Darron Lee will return to the lineup. Lee will start next to David Harris, with Julian Stanford likely getting some reps as well.
Brandon Shell will remain inactive, even with all of the injuries on the offensive line. Ryan Clady was recently sent to IR, making Ben Ijalana the starting left tackle. Nick Mangold is out as well with Wesley Johnson starting in his place.
The fan base is reinvigorated with the news that Bryce Petty will receive his first regular season start. It will be no easy task though against a stout Los Angeles Rams defensive line, not to mention with a banged up offensive line. Petty will get a chance to capture the starting gig with a floundering Fitzpatrick banged up. If Petty can play composed and lead the Jets to a win, they’ll enter the bye at 4-6. If not, the Jets will enter the bye at 3-7. This is the Jets last stand.
