Jets Fitzpatrick will to play Sunday

The New York Jets are going to play it by ear with Ryan Fitzpatrick's thumb. Coach Todd Bowles remained optimistic Randy Gregory JerseyMonday that the quarterback will play Sunday after Fitzpatrick had surgery on his left thumb last week. But he wants to monitor how - and if - Fitzpatrick practices during the week leading up to the game against the Texans in Houston. ''We'll see,'' Bowles said when asked if Fitzpatrick would be able to practice Wednesday. ''I'm hopeful that he will be. He had the day off, he'll be off tomorrow, so we'll see on Wednesday how he feels.'' Fitzpatrick had a torn ligament in his non-throwing hand repaired last Friday, a day after New York's 22-17 loss to Buffalo. Bowles insisted that Fitzpatrick must be able to practice at some point this week to play. ''I have to see how he heals and how he takes snaps,'' the coach said. ''It would be unfair http://www.officialcowboysnflstore.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_RANDY_GREGORY_JERSEY.htmlfor me to say he's going to be fine. I'm not a doctor.'' If Fitzpatrick is unable to play, Geno Smith would start in his place. Fitzpatrick was injured at Oakland on Nov. 1, but was able to play through it against Jacksonville and Buffalo while wearing a padded and molded brace on his thumb, with his hand covered by a glove. He didn't appear to be http://www.officialcowboysnflstore.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_RANDY_GREGORY_JERSEY.htmlhindered by the injury during those games, handling the football fine, throwing for 465 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, one of which was bobbled by Brandon Marshall directly to a defensive back. The injury itself will take several weeks to fully heal, but the quarterback will continue to wear the protective coverings on his hand. That has Bowles under the impression, at the moment, that Fitzpatrick should be able to play. ''That's what they conveyed to me,'' Bowles said. ''We have to see about his pain level. We have to see if there's any difference in the way he took handoffs last week and the way he's taking them this week.'' Fitzpatrick said last week he had two options for the surgery, last Friday or after the season. One of the Kenrick EllisJerseyconsiderations was, he was told, the ligament could start to shrink the longer he puts it off, making the procedure more complicated. The Jets also have nine days between games, giving Fitzpatrick extra time to have the stitched-up wound heal. Bowles did acknowledge his staff considered resting Fitzpatrick for the entire week and holding him out against Houston. ''It was a thought, but ithttp://www.nflgiantsofficial.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_LANDON_COLLINS_JERSEY.html wasn't a serious thought,'' Bowles said. ''Everything that was conveyed to us was that he would probably be able to play if everything went well. Everything went well. But again, you have to wait until Wednesday to see what his pain tolerance is.'' Smith was slated to be the starter this season until his jaw was broken by a punch from then-teammate Ikemefuna Enemkpali during training camp. Fitzpatrick assumed the role and has provided a calming presence for the offense.