Ryan Fitzpatrick Jets
Ryan Fitzpatrick completed two of three pass attempts in his first game with the New York Jets. Reuters/Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons meet in Week 2 of the 2015 NFL preseason. After losing their exhibition opener, the Jets are set to host the Falcons on Friday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

New York suffered one of the worst losses last week, falling to the Detroit Lions, 23-3. Atlanta is 1-0 in the preseason, having defeated the Tennessee Titans, 31-24.

Injury News

Geno Smith won’t be ready to play until the regular season because of the broken jaw he suffered in his fight with a now ex-teammate. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson will be sidelined for a second consecutive game after suffering a hamstring injury. Ronald Tally started in place of Wilkerson against Detroit, but he could be out on Friday, as well, having missed Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. Tight end Jace Amaro, offensive tackle James Brewer and linebacker Erin Henderson also missed the team’s last practice.

Atlanta’s ground game struggled against Tennessee with their top two running backs injured, and the same could be the case on Friday. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are both game-time decisions as they battle hamstring injuries. Safety William Moore, Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman and offensive lineman Peter Konz have been ruled out of the contest. Cornerback Desmond Trufant and running back Antone Smith appear likely to sit.

Players To Watch

The Jets are hoping to see encouraging signs from Ryan Fitzpatrick, who only attempted three passes in his debut with the team. New York has given Geno Smith’s replacement their best receiving corps in the last five years, and the first-team offense should see extended time on the field. Fitzpatrick should target Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker multiple times, after both caught just one pass each in the preseason opener.

With Freeman, Coleman and Smith still battling injuries, Terron Ward could get some extended playing time on Friday night. He only got three carries in the Falcons’ opener, but Jerome Smith, Michael Ford and Antone Smith all struggled with more attempts. Ward has been impressive in training camp, and one or two impressive runs could force the coaching staff to keep him on the field.

Where to Watch

The game won’t be aired on live national television, but it will be broadcast locally in Atlanta on CW69 and in New York on CBS2.

Start time for the game is 7:30 p.m. ET.

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