LANDOVER — Washington quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is unlikely to return this season from the hip injury he suffered in Week 1, a source with the knowledge of the situation said.
Fitzpatrick, 38, received an MRI last week that showed “some progress,” coach Ron Rivera said. But the coach added there is no timetable for Fitzpatrick’s return — and a source confirmed a report that said the quarterback was expected to be done for the rest of the season.
The NFL Network first reported the news that Fitzpatrick was unlikely to play the rest of the year.
Fitzpatrick was originally given a six- to eight-week timetable after he suffered a hip subluxation in the second quarter of the team’s season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. But the league-owned network reported Fitzpatrick is “not close” to returning because he’s still in pain.
Fitzpatrick’s most recent MRI was at least his third since the injury. The NFL Network reported that Fitzpatrick’s second MRI was “alarming” over the lack of progress and it caused the quarterback to go back on crutches.
If Fitzpatrick’s next MRI — scheduled to take place in the next few weeks — shows significant improvement, he could “perhaps begin working out again.” Even then, with only nine games left in the season, there’s likely not enough time for Fitzpatrick to retake the field.
Washington originally signed Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $10 million deal in March as the team’s brass hoped the journeyman could lift its offense. Fitzpatrick, though, ultimately played just 16 regular season snaps before the injury. He went 3 for 6 for 13 yards. Washington replaced Fitzpatrick with backup Taylor Heinicke, who has been the team’s starter since.
Fitzpatrick will be a free agent after the season. He turns 39 this month.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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