Geno Smith was in the running for the Starting quarterback job with the New York Jets, but now he will be on the sidelines for quite some time with a broken jaw. The New York Daily News is reporting that Smith was injured in a locker room fight when he was punched by outside linebacker I.K. Enemkpali. Jets head coach Todd Bowles has this to say about the incident.
“There was an altercation in the locker room. Had nothing to do with football. Something very childish. He got cold cocked, sucker punched whatever you want to call it, in the jaw.”
When asked what the fight was about, all Bowles said was this.
“Something very childish that sixth-graders could have talked about and it had no reason to happen.”
ESPN is reporting that Smith will need to have surgery and will likely be sidelined for 6 to 10 weeks. Enemkpali was released by the Jets following the altercation.
With Smith injured it opens the door for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Bryce Petty. The Jets will likely look outside the organization for another quarterback to compete for the starting job.
As for Smith’s career, who knows what kind of damage this fight will do to it. Geno has had two disappointing seasons and this was supposed to be his chance to prove himself once and for all. In his two seasons he has more interceptions, 34, than touchdown passes, 25, and averaged less than 186 passing yards per game. Depending on what kind of role Smith played in the altercation, they might just realize they have had enough and see if they can eventually send Geno on his merry way. Teams usually want the quarterback to be a leader, not get into silly squabbles with guys who are likely not even going to make the team. A little growing up would go a long way for Geno and the Jets.
All this happens just two weeks after the team learned of the arrest of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson for several alleged violations after police clocked him going over 140 mph in his Bentley Silver Spur. As reported on earlier here at the Inquisitr, Richardson will likely miss more than the four games he was already suspended for when he tested positive for marijuana.
The rest of the team will continue to get ready for the team’s first pre-season game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
How much do you think the loss of Smith will hurt the New York Jets?
[Image by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images]
