NEW YORK — The New York Jets are exploring veteran options to back up quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
With expected starter Geno Smith out six to 10 weeks with a broken jaw, the Jets brought Matt Flynn in for a physical Friday but did not work him out. The 30-year-old Flynn, who was dealing with a hamstring issue, was released by the New England Patriots earlier this week.
A signing of Flynn was not immediately imminent by the Jets, who have only rookies Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps on the roster to back up Fitzpatrick.
Flynn has also been with Green Bay (twice), Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo. He threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns — both Packers records — in Green Bay’s 45-41 victory over Detroit on Jan. 1, 2012.
Fitzpatrick was thrust into the starting role when Smith’s jaw was broken by a punch from then-teammate IKÂ Enemkpali in the Jets’ locker room Tuesday. Smith had surgery to insert plates and screws in his jaw, which is not wired shut.
Enemkpali was claimed off waivers by Buffalo and Rex Ryan, the linebacker’s coach last season with the Jets.
Fitzpatrick played just one series in the Jets’ preseason-opening 23-3 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, going 2 of 3 for 16 yards. Petty, a fourth-round pick out of Baylor, went 10 of 18 for only 50 yards and did not complete a pass for more than 8 yards.
Thumbnail photo via Stephan Savoia/Associated Press
