With Jets still in NFL record-INT drought, Minkah Fitzpatrick hopes to return from groin injury

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s debut with the team was brief, ending after only a few snaps in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 13, due to a groin injury. The veteran safety, a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, acknowledged the setback, stating, "It’s frustrating.

I started watching film on Tennessee probably in June. So I felt really, really locked in, really in tune with how the game was going to go and how it was going to flow. And then six plays in, what happened happened."

Fitzpatrick, who has 21 career interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns, could return on Sunday against the Bears in Chicago. Coach Aaron Glenn indicated, "There’s a really good chance" Fitzpatrick will play, after he participated fully in practice on Thursday. The injury sidelined Fitzpatrick since the opener, and he was listed as limited on Wednesday before becoming fully cleared.

The Jets signed Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million contract extension in March, bringing him in to help end their NFL-record interception drought of 20 consecutive games. Fitzpatrick’s return would undoubtedly bolster a defense ranked No. 2 overall in yards allowed.