The New York Jets are hurting for depth. The team has injuries racking up especially with their offensive playmakers as they prepare to face a Miami Dolphins team looking for a statement win. Ryan Fitzpatrick was not the feel-good story in Week 3 that he was in the first two games of the season and the Jets need him to open the playbook a little more. That could be difficult with injuries piling up and cause some roster additions.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Chris Ivory is expected to play in Week 4 after a groin injury kept him out against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Eric Decker and Jeff Cumberland are not expected to be seen. Decker has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury that might be more serious than originally reported. Decker was seen during the stretch portion of practice, but did not participate in drills. He made the trip to London, giving the team hope that he could see some time on the field, but it is unknown just how healthy he is. Meanwhile, Cumberland has not been cleared after suffering a concussion, leaving the Jets with one healthy tight end on the roster.
Decker's injury is the most worrisome. Through the two games he played in, Decker was a key safety blanket for Ryan Fitzpatrick. His absence was certainly felt against the Eagles as Brandon Marshall cannot do it all himself. Jeremy Kerley, Devin Smith and Chris Owusu are not enough to get the job done. The timetable for Decker is unknown as PCL injuries can be tricky. According to Bleeding Green Nation, recovery time for a sprain can range from two to eight weeks. If it is the later, the Jets will need to add someone. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport already reported that the team worked out Terrelle Pryor while Hakeem Nicks, Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne all remain options. Adding another playmaker would not be the worst idea regardless.
Fitzpatrick needs a good game. It is unclear exactly how short of a leash the veteran quarterback is on, but Geno Smith is healthy and aiming to grab the top spot again. Head coach Todd Bowles has remained confident in Fitzpatrick. While he is not the most flashy option for the team, he has been doing his part minus Week 3. However, one more bad game and Bowles might have to re-think his commitment to Fitzpatrick. Smith knows he needs playing time this week if he is going to remain part of the franchise for the long-term.
