Ryan Fitzpatrick

Bowles: Ryan Fitzpatrick 'wasn't totally healthy' earlier in camp

Published Sep. 8, 2015 5:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Few teams have gone through bigger issues at quarterback than the New York Jets this offseason. Geno Smith is sidelined with a broken jaw due to the IK Enemkpali incident, giving way to veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Behind Fitzpatrick, the Jets had Bryce Petty as a backup. Other than that, there wasn't much help -- which is why they brought in veteran quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson, who have since been released.

On Monday, however, head coach Todd Bowles shed light on another reason the Jets brought in veteran help: Fitzpatrick "wasn't totally healthy."

"Just being nicked up, just normal injuries," Bowles said via Rich Cimini of ESPN. "You didn't want anything to happen to him, so you have to have a contingency plan and you bring in some other guys."

Bowles made it seem like a non-issue, but Fitzpatrick's healthy is worth keeping an eye on. He hasn't been the league's most durable quarterback. Fortunately, Smith is only expected to miss the first four weeks of the regular season. Still, the Jets need Fitzpatrick healthy to avoid turning to rookie Bryce Petty.

(h/t ESPN)

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