Others may be questioning Jets coach Rex Ryan for inserting Mark Sanchez at quarterback in the fourth quarter of a preseason game, but Sanchez would not yesterday.
“I’m not here to second-guess the coaches,” Sanchez said. “If they call you to play, you better be ready to play, and I was. So, I warmed up, went in, played, and tried to win.”
Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin obliterated Sanchez’s right shoulder, and now the Jets’ starting quarterback situation is murkier than ever. Ryan deflected questions about who will start the season, his decision to put Sanchez in the game and even if rookie Geno Smith will play Thursday night against the Eagles.
What is clear is that Sanchez is hurting. While the Jets won’t divulge the extent of the injury, a source said Sanchez’s status for the Sept. 8 opener with the Buccaneers is questionable at this point. The Jets are unsure of when Sanchez can attempt to throw again. He has been ruled out of practice today and out of Thursday’s game. Friday is the earliest he could practice.
A source would not say how bad Sanchez’s shoulder is, but said the quarterback does not just have a bruised shoulder, as has been reported. The bruising is a symptom of a more serious injury, but how serious remains a mystery.
Sanchez played the part of a good employee yesterday, as he did not divulge anything about the injury in a 10-minute session with reporters. He stood with his right hand in his pocket and never moved his arm.
“I’m obviously not happy that I’m hurt,” Sanchez said. “I felt like I was putting together a good camp, so it’s an unfortunate thing. But there’s no time to gripe about it. [I] just have to rehab as hard as I can. I know we have the best trainers and they’re going to be me in the best position possible [to] try and get back for [the] first week.”
Ryan’s decision to play Sanchez in the fourth quarter of a meaningless preseason game behind backup offensive linemen remains a head scratcher. After his now legendary postgame press conference on Saturday, Ryan declined to elaborate much yesterday. He would not say whether he regretted the decision or that it was a mistake.
“You guys know exactly how I feel about that,” Ryan said. “Do I regret that he got injured? Of course. But no, again, I’m not going to say anything more about it because I think I’ve covered it already.”
Ryan said none of his bosses have talked to him about his press conference performance when he turned his back to a reporter and grew annoyed with repetitive questions.
As for who his starter will be in two weeks, Ryan said the Jets will wait as long as they have to before picking a starter.
“We’re not going to rush the decision until we’re completely comfortable with that decision and we’ll stay by that,” Ryan said. “Hey, I don’t know what else to say about it.”
Smith threw three interceptions and committed a bone-headed safety in the game Saturday, but he could be the Week 1 starter by default if Sanchez can’t lift his arm.
“I think Geno has done a lot of really good things,” Ryan said. “Did he have a rough night [against the Giants]? Yes, absolutely he did. But, again, I feel confident in him.”
Smith, of course, says he’s ready if his number gets called.
“Yes, I am,” Smith said. “I’ve been working hard, extremely hard this offseason. [I’m] preparing myself to be a starter Week 1, and if I’m given the chance, I’ll be prepared for it.”