Bryce Petty will get his first career NFL start at quarterback Sunday for the New York Jets.
The Jets announced Sunday morning that Petty will start -- something Jets players believed earlier this week based on how starter Ryan Fitzpatrick looked in practice, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Fitzpatrick, who has been nursing a knee injury, is officially active and will serve as Petty's backup.
Petty, a 2015 fourth-round pick, scrambled to keep a roster spot this preseason with the team already planning to keep three other quarterbacks.
Fitzpatrick has been dealing with a knee sprain suffered last week in a loss to the Dolphins. He was listed as questionable on Friday and participated on a limited basis in practice all week.
Bowles said earlier this week that he did not have a quarterback controversy, though Fitzpatrick's knee issue could provide him a prime opportunity to see the 25-year-old quarterback in action against a talented Rams defense.
Bowles previously said this season that he would not bench Fitzpatrick before handing the baton to Geno Smith.
With Petty starting, his performance could go a long way toward deciding how the Jets will look at quarterback next season. At the moment, many expect the team to roll with Petty and second-round pick Christian Hackenberg in 2017.
