7 ways the Jets can survive Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury

The New York Jets are on the hunt for a quarterback.

Shortly after starter Ryan Fitzpatrick exited Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders with torn ligaments in his thumb, a report emerged suggesting the Jets were calling teams around the league to gauge the availability of quarterbacks.

This is both a strong indication the Jets expect Fitzpatrick to be sidelined for a while and an indictment of backup Geno Smith, who was shaky in relief of Fitzpatrick on Sunday and left with an injury of his own late in the game.

The Jets are playoff contenders, but they won't be if Fitzpatrick's injury sends them into a tailspin. How can they survive and keep their playoff hopes alive?

They have some options:

Play Fitzpatrick despite the injury

Smith briefly left Sunday's game with shoulder and abdomen injuries late in the fourth quarter, forcing Fitzpatrick to re-enter the game as the Jets' only other quarterback.

With his non-throwing thumb heavily taped, Fitzpatrick fired an incomplete pass downfield on his one play before giving way to a returning Smith.

If nothing else, Fitzpatrick proved it's physically possible for him to play despite limited use of his non-throwing hand.

Can he play a full game with the handicap? Taking snaps from under center is probably out of the question, and it's hard to imagine the Jets winning with a game plan that includes only shotgun plays.

Then again, that's kind of what the Denver Broncos are doing with Peyton Manning ....

Stick with Smith

Smith didn't exactly endear himself to new coach Todd Bowles this summer, getting into a fight with former teammate IK Enemkpali and winding up with a broken jaw.

The fracas ended Smith's time as Jets starter, but it didn't silence the small contingent of analysts advocating for Smith's potential.

Smith undeniably has a plus arm and good athleticism. His weakness has always been his inconsistency, which leads to frequent turnovers, and the poor way he deals with the off-field adversity that comes with turning the ball over. The New York media is ruthless.

Smith probably knows this is his last chance to make it as a starter in the NFL. Could that be the motivation he needs to finally put it all together?

Turn to Petty

The Jets spent a fourth-round pick on former Baylor passer Bryce Petty in the draft, but the word on him is he needs at least a year of development before he's ready for the pro game.

Playing Petty now carries the risk of destroying his confidence, but sometimes a trial by fire exposes the best in a player.

Trade for a stopgap

The NFL's trade deadline is on Tuesday, giving the Jets enough time to work the phones and make a deal.

If the goal is merely to tread water and play .500 football until Fitzpatrick returns, trading a conditional late-round pick for another team's extraneous veteran backup - ideally one with starting experience - could be the Jets' best move.

Could Shaun Hill be pried from the Minnesota Vikings if the price is right? What about the Miami Dolphins' Matt Moore?

Trade for a young backup with upside

If the Jets want to aim a little higher, their best bet could be to target a young backup on a team out of playoff contention. Mike Glennon and Zach Mettenberger are stuck behind Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, respectively, and each has shown promise in limited duty as a starter.

It would probably take a mid-round pick (and perhaps another late pick or a depth player) to swing such a deal, but it may be something the Jets decide is worth exploring.

Make a blockbuster

If the Jets believe they have a Super Bowl-caliber defense and offensive skill position players, a case can be made they should explore making a big splash on the trade market.

If the Chicago Bears are truly in fire-sale mode, as is rumored, Jay Cutler could be available. Cutler has an exorbitant contract that would surely tie him to the Jets beyond 2015, but he's proven to be a high-end passer when healthy and surrounded by talent.

It's worth sniffing around the San Francisco 49ers to assess the availability of Colin Kaepernick, too. The 49ers could be nearing a complete rebuild and there are rumors Kaepernick has alienated himself from his teammates and coaches. If the 49ers plan to cut Kaepernick after the season, getting something in exchange for him now could be irresistible for Trent Baalke.

And then there's Robert Griffin III. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year looked like a broken player the last time he played, but he's had plenty of time to heal his body and get his mind right. What would it take to pry him from the Washington Redskins? Would a fourth-round pick do it?

Sign a free agent

Ryan Mallett, anyone?

Anyone?