An MRI on Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this week revealed “some progress” in his injured hip, according to head coach Ron Rivera, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
However, Fitzpatrick will continue to rehab and remain on injured reserve. He’ll be evaluated again at some point. There was no timetable for Fitzpatrick’s return.
Fitzpatrick suffered a hip subluxation in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Chargers outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu beat Washington left tackle Charles Leno Jr. off the edge and delivered a clear shot to Fitzpatrick’s hip.
The initial diagnosis was Fitzpatrick was expected to be out six-to-eight weeks. He was placed on injured reserve. It’s now been eight weeks and he has yet to return to the field.
Fitzpatrick signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Washington in the offseason. He was expected to be starting quarterback to lead Washington back to the playoffs. Yet, the 38-year old has played just two quarters this season.
Taylor Heinicke has replaced Fitzpatrick as Washington’s starting QB. He’s had his share of ups and downs. Washington is 2-6 on the season, and it’s clear Heinicke isn’t a long-term answer.
Coming out of their bye week, Washington is looking to save their season starting with a wild card playoff game rematch against the Super Bowl champion, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There was hope Fitzpatrick could be back to right the ship.
The latest update puts doubts into him returning at any point this season with nine games remaining. Focus will shift to backup Kyle Allen if Heinicke continues to struggle.
