Bowles: Fitzpatrick to start for Jets vs. Patriots

The Jets aren't finished with Ryan Fitzpatrick -- not yet.

Coach Todd Bowles announced Monday that the weatherworn, veteran quarterback will start Sunday at home against the surging New England Patriots.

"He's healthy," Bowles answered when asked why Fitzpatrick earned the nod over rookie Bryce Petty.

After suffering a knee injury in Week 9, Fitzpatrick served as Petty's backup during New York's 9-6 loss to the Rams in Week 10. The Jets were on a bye this past weekend.

Monday's decision ends speculation among fans and scribes over whether the flailing the Jets would be better off starting Petty. After all, Fitzpatrick's run with the team is all but over. Why not get a long look at your second-year signal-caller before the offseason?

Bowles, though, was hired to win games. It's not surprising to see him opt for a battle-tested (if inconsistent) quarterback over a newbie with just 34 attempts at the NFL level.