One day after reports the Jets will look to trade Mark Sanchez in the offseason, coach Rex Ryan’s response was: “News to me.’’
“That didn’t come from me,’’ Ryan said Thursday. “Anything that is dealing with the future past Buffalo [the Jets’ opponent in their season finale] will be handled after that. All those decisions will be handled then. It’s not something that I’m concerned with now. We have two games left. Right now, it’s about these two games for me.’’
When it was noted he had not given Sanchez a “ringing endorsement,’’ Ryan said: “I’m not sure whether it’s not a ringing endorsement or whatever, [but] I have absolutely zero focus on that right now. My focus is on these two games we have left.
“Everyone knows how I’ve been a supporter of Mark Sanchez. He has the skill set of being a good quarterback in this league and we’ve won a lot of game with him, but that’s for another day.’’
Ryan laughed when he was asked about Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who some are speculating might be on his radar as an option in 2013.
“Yeah, I think I’ll focus on the players we have on this roster instead of somebody else’s players,’’ Ryan said.
Sources close to Ryan say he has zero interest in bringing Vick in, because he does not believe a running quarterback can stay healthy, which the injury-prone Vick has proven in his career.
* Greg McElroy is the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, but Ryan continued to decline to name his backup.
“When I’m ready to let you guys know I’ll let you know,’’ he said.
Ryan does not like to have three quarterbacks active on game day and has not done that once this season, so he’s in a sticky spot. It will be a colossal insult to whomever is not in uniform.
For Sanchez, who has started all but one game (because of injury) since his rookie year in 2009, it would be a massive fall from grace. For Tim Tebow, who was supposed to be the big Wildcat offensive weapon, it would provide a new low to a season that has already been a terrible disappointment.
* Among the players who did not practice yesterday were TE Dustin Keller (ankle), CB Aaron Berry (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (calf) and S LaRon Landry (heel).
Ryan sounded pessimistic about Keller’s chance to play.
“The more he doesn’t practice, the less it looks [like he’ll play],” Ryan said. “I’m not sure. This would be second day he doesn’t practice, so it doesn’t look as good as I had hoped.’’
* Right guard Brandon Moore was been named the Jets’ 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award is given annually to an NFL player who demonstrates a commitment to community service as well as overall excellence on the field. Keller was the team’s choice in 2011.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for what my wife and I do in the community,’’ Moore said.
* Safety Yeremiah Bell is scheduled to become a free agent after the season and is not sure what will happen, but said he would like to remain a Jet.
“No question, I’d like to come back definitely just to have the opportunity to see what we can do with guys healthy and not some of our star guys hurt,” Bell said. “It’s been a crazy year, but I’d love to come back here and play.”
Bell, 34, signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Jets as a free agent and has been one of the team’s bright spots this season, solidifying the safety position along with Landry, having made 83 tackles.
* Shortly after an afternoon report quoted LB Bart Scott, who’s due to make $6.9 million in 2013, saying he would be willing to remain with the team next season for a significant pay cut, Scott said he never said that to the reporter.