New York Jets

Will Bryce Petty ever see starting action with Jets?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick did just enough last week with the New York Jets to remain a starter. Quarterback Bryce Petty, on the other hand, was back in action this week in team practices.

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Fitzpatrick did just enough to still remain the starting quarterback of the New York Jets. In a 31-13 embarrassing loss to the Steelers, Fitzpatrick totaled 255 passing yards, 25 completions, and a touchdown.

Most importantly of all, Fitzpatrick threw zero interceptions but still has 10 so far this season. Heading into a Week 6 Monday Night Football matchup on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzpatrick will do his very best to keep his job because, in the background, quarterback Geno Smith is anxiously waiting for his number to be called.

For quarterback Bryce Petty, he’s still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered this preseason. As per the Media Relations Department of the Jets, he was a full participant in practice this week and is on his way to a full recovery.

Of course, this doesn’t mean by default he’s going to be the savior of the Jets should Fitzpatrick put up another dud of a performance. Technically, Smith is Fitzpatrick’s main backup as per the Jets’ depth chart, Petty is still a third-stringer in the grand scheme of things.

More from The Jet Press

There is hope that Petty could one day be a future franchise quarterback for the Jets but again, that’s a huge maybe.

He hasn’t shown much to prove he can play lights out football since preseason action compared to the real thing are worlds apart.

It’s important the Jets don’t rush Petty back by any means necessary as it’s best to continue molding him and having him learn from the sideline.

As for any appearances, he would make this season, it’s something fans shouldn’t bet on. It would have to take the demotion of both Fitzpatrick and Smith to consider throwing Petty into the fire in 2016.

If such a situation would occur, it would only make sense if it’s 100% confirmed to be a losing season for Gang Green. One where the Jets are mathematically eliminated from making the NFL Playoffs. It just wouldn’t make sense to start Petty now unless it’s to get him ready to compete for the starting job in 2017 and get him some real experience in games that actually count.

This article originally appeared on