Jets confirm torn ACL for Smith, announce Fitzpatrick as starter

The New York Jets will turn back to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns after Geno Smith was diagnosed with a torn ACL, head coach Todd Bowles announced.

Fitzpatrick started the first six games of the season before his turnover issues led to the Jets making a change and giving Smith his first start since 2014.

The former second-round pick was forced to the locker room in the first half, and he'll now miss the remainder of what's expected to be his last season in a Jets uniform before free agency.

"It's tough luck for the kid," Bowles told reporters. " ... Fitzpatrick finished the game up and we're going with Fitz."

While giving the job to Fitzpatrick after a respectable relief performance en route to a win can be justified in some fashion, it's likely only a matter of time before the Jets look to the future.

Bryce Petty, a 2015 fourth-round pick, and second-round rookie Christian Hackenberg will need their share of in-game reps for the coaching staff and front office to determine their place with the club long term.

Another loss or two would make it nearly impossible for New York to chase down a playoff spot, so it's entirely possible that another change would be made at that point.