New York Jets

Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't practice, plans to start Sunday

Published Nov. 18, 2015 3:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

Todd Bowles was non-committal when discussing Ryan Fitzpatrick's status earlier in the week, but the quarterback himself sounds confident he'll be on the field this week.

Fitzpatrick was in attendance at practice on Wednesday, but he didn't participate with the rest of his team. He did some throwing off to the side, but he was officially listed as a non-participant.

After practice, Fitzpatrick did say that he expects to start against his former team, the Texans, on Sunday -- a huge relief for the Jets.

Of course, Fitzpatrick is just five days removed from having surgery on his left thumb, though it doesn't sound like it will be an issue, as the Jets expected. He took full advantage of the mini-bye week following a Thursday night loss, giving himself extra time to heal.

Geno Smith likely would have been Fitzpatrick's replacement if he was unable to go, but it doesn't seem like the Jets will need to go down that road again. Bowles said he would be fine with starting Smith, but there's no doubt he's happy to have Fitzpatrick on the field instead.