Jets quarterback Geno Smith gets sucker-punched by a teammate, out 6-10 weeks with a broken jaw

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New York Jets starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered a broken jaw after being sucker-punched in the locker room on Tuesday by linebacker IK Enemkpali, coach Todd Bowles told the media. Bowles says Smith will miss 6-10 weeks and that Enemkpali has been released from the team.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith broke two bones in his jaw and will need surgery. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who the Jets signed in the off-season, will likely take over the starting position, and third stringer Bryce Petty will take over backup duty.

Regarding the incident, Bowles told the media: "He got cold-cocked, sucker punched whatever you want to call it, in the jaw." 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapport tweeted, Smith first put his fnger in Enemkpali's face during an argument, and Enemkpali retaliated with the sucker-punch.

Enemkpali was drafted by the Jets in the 6th round of the 2014 draft. Although he played linebacker in college at Louisiana Tech, he was drafted as a linebacker and played in six games last season. In NFL.com's Draft Analysis of Enemkpali from 2014, his strengths include: "Very thickly built. Flashes shock and violence in his punch."

AP Images

IK Enemkpali.