Jets QB Geno Smith reprimanded for playing catch after jaw surgery
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smithtold the New York Post that he is feeling “great” after undergoing surgery on his broken jaw on Thursday, but he was reprimanded by the team for playing catch just two days post-surgery.
“I feel great. You see me throwin’, right?” Smith told The Poston Saturday.
The Post reports that Smith was shirtless and wearing eye-black while tossing a football in the parking lot of his apartment complex. On Sunday, Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters that he was not happy to hear that Smith was working out on his own so soon after surgery.
“He shouldn't be doing it right now,” Bowles said. “We handled that internally. We had that discussion.”
• BURKE: Geno Smith no lock to start even once he's healthy
Smith was not disciplined by the organization, only reprimanded because of Bowles' and general manager Mike Maccagnan's concern that his jaw, which was broken in two places, could get infected or re-injured.
Smith sustained a broken jaw in a locker room fight on Tuesday when linebacker IK Enemkpali punched him in the face. The argument was reportedly over a $600 debt.
Enemkpali was released by the Jets after the incident and was claimed by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday.
Smith is expected to be out six to 10 weeks due to the injury and told The Post to tell Jets fans, “Get ready for me to come back.”
With Smith out, Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to be New York's starting quarterback to open the season. The Jets host the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
