Jets S Minkah Fitzpatrick Expected To Miss Time

Fitzpatrick is expected to miss two to three weeks, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. That likely means a move to injured reserve is not forthcoming in this case. IR stints require an absence of at least four games.

Fitzpatrick was one of several defensive acquisitions for the Jets this offseason. A trade with the Dolphins was worked out in March, and as a result the five-time Pro Bowler was on the move for the second year in a row. Fitzpatrick agreed to a three-year, $40MM extension upon arrival in New York.

Expectations are high as a result for the 29-year-old. For now, however, Fitzpatrick will be unavailable to the Jets. Free agent addition Dane Belton logged every defensive snap during Sunday’s win against Tennessee. Andre Cisco – who is now in his second New York campaign – replaced Fitzpatrick in the starting lineup. A Belton-Cisco tandem for the next few games would come as no surprise as Fitzpatrick recovers.

The Jets allowed just 10 points and 195 yards against the Titans in Week 1. The team will look to build off that strong opening performance with games against the Packers, Lions and Bears upcoming. Fitzpatrick’s absence for at least some of that period will hinder New York’s secondary, though.