Fitzpatrick to start for Jets vs. Jaguars

It's a thumbs-up on Ryan Dale Hawerchuk JerseyFitzpatrick starting Sunday for the New York Jets. Coach Todd Bowles announced Wednesday that Fitzpatrick will be under center against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being a full participant at practice despite dealing with a torn ligament in his left thumb. ''No limitations today,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''Really, just kind of a trial run to see how it was going to feel http://www.officialjetsonlinestore.com/Womens_Youth_Drew_Stafford_Jersey" and what the best way to do (things) going forward would be in terms of using it or not using it and all that. Today was a pretty positive day in that regard.'' The right-handed Fitzpatrick wore what he called ''a special glove'' over his left hand after tearing at least one ligament in his thumb that will require surgery at some point. He was hurt on the first drive of the Jets' 34-20 loss at Oakland last Sunday. ''Well, it's painful enough http://www.officialjetsonlinestore.com/Womens_Youth_Dustin_Byfuglien_Jerseyto get me out of changing diapers,'' said the father of five. ''That's been the one positive.'' Fitzpatrick will ''probably'' wear the glove during the game against the Jaguars, and added he's ''extremely confident'' he'll be able to play through the injury the rest of the season. ''I don't want to put the team in a position where I'm going to go out and hurt the team or turn the ball over or try to be a hero because something is compromised,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''I want to go out there and help the team, so if I can do that without putting me or the team in a compromising position, then I will. And I think I'm going to be able to do that.'' Bowles acknowledged that there are still Bryan Trottier Jerseysome concerns about Fitzpatrick's thumb, which was heavily bandaged with ice in the locker room after practice. ''As long as he's moving forward with his progress, he'll start,'' Bowles said. Geno Smith replaced Fitzpatrick against the Raiders, but bruised his left (non-throwing) shoulder and had to leave the game briefly after taking a hard shot to his abdomen. Smith was also a full participant at practice and will be Fitzpatrick's backup Sunday. There was some initial fear that neither quarterback would be ready, which meant rookie Bryce http://www.officialislandersstore.com/Womens_Youth_Clark_Gillies_Jersey" Petty or a free agent - Matt Flynn was mentioned by Bowles - could have been pressed into action against the Jaguars. Fitzpatrick has started every game this season after assuming the starting job when Smith had his jaw broken by a punch from then-teammate Ikemefuna Enemkpali in August. Smith was expected to be the starter until his injury, and it appeared he might have to fill in for Fitzpatrick - and possibly win his job back.