Mired in historic interception drought, Jets rule out Fitzpatrick

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  Rich CiminiSep 18, 2026, 11:53 AM ET

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  Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University.

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 on 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 season with the Jets, but he lost in 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 challenged by quarterback Jordan Love, who passed for 387 yards and two touchdowns in the Packers' 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.

"His arm talent is unbelievable," said Glenn, who went 3-1 against Love while serving as the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024.

Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., one of three first-round picks, was ruled out by the Jets with a sprained ankle. Like Fitzpatrick, he could miss multiple weeks. Cooper played only four offensive plays in Week 1, making one reception for 30 yards.

Cooper likely will be replaced by Isaiah Williams as the No. 3 receiver. The Jets have the option of elevating a veteran from the practice squad, either Sterling Shepard or Tyler Johnson, both of whom were signed this week.

Jason Sanders will be added to the roster from the practice squad, as he will handle the kicking duties for the second straight week. Sanders, competing with Blake Grupe (on the 53-man roster), badly missed his first field-goal attempt (54 yards) last week. He responded by making three in a row, including 51- and 52-yarders in the 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans.