NY Jets ravaged by injuries in loss to Oakland

The NY Jets lose a tough one on the road in Oakland, but they may have lost a lot more with some injuries to some key starters.

It didn’t take long for the injury bug to bite the NY Jets in their road game with the Oakland Raiders. In the opening minutes of the game, Ryan Fitzpatrick opted against sliding and took an unnecessary hit from Charles Woodson.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (hand) is questionable to return. #NYJvsOAK

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 1, 2015

It left the Jets to rely upon incumbent starter from last season Geno Smith. But before Smith could have a legitimate chance in this game, the defense continued to allow big plays to gash them. Smith finished the day with respectable numbers, 260+ yards and a 2 touchdown to 1 interception ratio.

But Smith also got banged up down the stretch having to enter and exit the game several times as Fitzpatrick played relief (the Jets entered the game with only 2 active quarterbacks). Fitzpatrick will have to get a MRI, Marshall tried playing through his ankle injury, and well, Smith took too many hits.

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74, right) talks to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets talked all week how big of a loss it was if Mangold ended up not playing, but Wesley Johnson held his own. But these injuries could have long-lasting effects on the season outcome the rest of the way. Fitzpatrick brought a stability to the position, Marshall brought a legitimate offensive weapon the Jets haven’t had in over a decade and Smith has at least shown flashes of potential.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars on tap, the Jets again have little time to regroup and figure out their options, but must do so quickly. The Jets have a lot of questions to answer. How serious are these injuries? If they are pretty serious, do the Jets ride with Smith and Petty or do they attempt to make a move by the deadline? We’ll keep tabs on all of this here at The Jet Press in the next couple days as more information becomes available.

The NFL trade deadline is this upcoming Tuesday.