Ryan Fitzpatrick ‘optimistic’ he’ll play against Rams

New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is confident he’ll be able to overcome a sprained knee to start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

“I’m definitely optimistic that I’ll be able to go our there and play,” Fitzpatrick said, via ESPN. “I’m going to do everything I can between now and then to make sure that happens.”

Fitzpatrick hurt his knee during the third quarter of New York’s loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. The injury forced him to the leave for a series, but he returned and finished the game.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Fitzpatrick will start if he’s healthy enough to play.

Entering Week 10, Fitzpatrick has thrown eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He ranks last in the NFL in completion percentage (56.4) and passer rating (67.6), and he’s thrown two more interceptions than any other quarterback in 2016.

Second-year quarterback Bryce Petty would be next in line if Fitzpatrick can’t play. Previous backup Geno Smith tore his ACL and is currently on injured reserve.

Sunday starts a three-game home stretch for the Jets, who are 3-6 over their first nine games.

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