Mired in historic interception drought, Jets rule out Fitzpatrick - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets, mired in the longest interception drought in NFL history, will be without their most accomplished interceptor Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sidelined by a groin injury on the sixth play of the season opener, was ruled out Friday. He hasn't practiced this week and likely will miss at least another game.

Former starter Andre Cisco is expected to replace Fitzpatrick in the lineup for the Jets, who play their home opener with the hope of starting 2-0 for the first time since 2015.

The Jets traded for Fitzpatrick, 29, in the offseason, thinking he'd bring leadership and playmaking ability to their secondary. The defense has gone 18 straight games without an interception (571 pass attempts), dating to the final game of the 2024 season.

Fitzpatrick has 21 career interceptions, tied for ninth most since 2018 — the year he entered the league as a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins.

«Yeah, well, we have other experienced guys on our team, too,» coach Aaron Glenn said. «That's the good thing about our team right now, and those guys have to step up. I mean, Cisco's played a lot of football in this league, and he's been a damn good player in this league.»

Cisco has 55 career starts, including eight seasons with the Jets, but he lost the job in training camp to Dane Belton, formerly of the New York Giants. Now they will use a Belton-Cisco tandem, with Malachi Moore in reserve.

The Jets like to use a big nickel (three-safety) package at times. When they do, Belton can slide into Fitzpatrick's role in the slot. Glenn praised Belton for his versatility; he can play multiple spots in the secondary, plus special teams.

The secondary will be