New York Jets NFL 2015 news: Starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick undergoes surgery, unlikely to miss time

Ryan Fitzpatrick of the New York Jets is seen in this file photo.(Reuters/Tim Fuller-USA Today Sports)

The New York Jets just played Thursday and will have time to rest before their next game on Nov. 22, which is helpful for starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who underwent surgery for a torn ligament on his left hand (non-throwing). 

Fitzpatrick suffered the injury last Nov. 1 in a 34–20 loss to the Oakland Raiders but still played in their next two games which saw the Jets win in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars (28–23) and lose to the Buffalo Bills (22–17) in Week 10. 

In their loss to the Bills, Fitzpatrick wore a glove to protect his left hand and had 15 completions for 193 yards and two touchdowns, also throwing two interceptions and was sacked once. 

Despite having surgery, Fitzpatrick is not expecting to miss a game, especially their Week 11 matchup where they will take on his former team, the Houston Texans. 

"We'll see how it goes, but that's the intention," Fitzpatrick said, according to ESPN about playing against the Texans following his surgery. 

In nine games played this season, his first year with the Jets, the 32-year-old quarterback has 169 completions for 1,983 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. 

Fitzpatrick has been the Jets' starting quarterback following the physical altercation original starter Geno Smith was involved in during training camp, where he was punched and suffered a broken jaw which required surgery to repair. 

So far, the move has paid off for the Jets as they already have five wins and are showing that they can contend, unlike last season when they finished with a 4–12 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. 

Currently, Jets are at 5–4 which places them third in the American Football Conference (AFC) East just behind the Bills who also have the same record. 

Above them and leading the division are the defending champions and unbeaten New England Patriots who continue to roll this season at 8–0, while at the bottom are the Miami Dolphins at 3–5.