Jets' Fitzpatrick to return as starter vs. Patriots

The New York Jets will start Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback in Week 12 against the New England Patriots, sending Bryce Petty back to the bench, head coach Todd Bowles announced Monday, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

"He's healthy. He's been our starter. ... We can do more things with him. I don't give away jobs," said Bowles, according to Mehta.

Reports said Bowles was reluctant to move forward with the inexperienced Petty as the starter for fear of losing the locker room, but the head coach denied it was a factor.

"None. Absolutely not," Bowles said, according to Kimberley A. Martin of newsday.com.

At 3-7, the Jets' playoff hopes are over, so it would appear logical to continue to see what Petty - or Christian Hackenberg - has to offer, especially with Fitzpatrick under contract for this season.

However, Petty has looked far from ready to take the reins.

If the Jets' struggles continue, Bowles' could face the ax come season's end, though he denied the decision was motivated by his job security, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.