Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is set to undergo arthroscopic hip surgery, thereby bringing a premature end to his NFL season. The Washington quarterback incurred a partial dislocation of his right hip during the second quarter of his team’s opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers which ended in a 20-16 loss.
Following his injury, the 39-year-old underwent an MRI in early November. Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick enjoyed little improvement in his situation, as the swelling and pain in the hip and groin area persisted, thereby preventing him from undergoing a proper rehabilitation.
While Fitzpatrick’s recovery timeline is yet to be confirmed, there is no possibility for the veteran quarterback to return this season, with only five games remaining.
Fitzpatrick signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Washington Football Team in March, hoping to use his veteran knowledge and consistent gameplay to propel Washington to a playoff spot.
Since being recruited as an undrafted free agent from Harvard, Fitzpatrick has completed 223 touchdown passes and 169 interceptions in 147 games.
As a result of Fitzpatrick’s absence, Washington will now rely on backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who has impressed so far this season by helping his side to four consecutive wins, thereby putting them in a playoff spot.
