NFL

No surgery needed yet for Sanchez

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez visited Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday for a second opinion on his shoulder and was told he does not need to have surgery at this time, according to league sources.

Andrews gave Sanchez the green light to continue rehabbing his shoulder, which was injured on Aug. 24 in a preseason game with the Giants. Surgery has not been ruled out, but Andrews felt Sanchez has made enough progress that he could continue trying to rehab the shoulder to try to avoid surgery.

Sanchez has a dislocated shoulder, but there is also more damage that required the visit to Andrews. ESPN reported Andrews found a tear in the labrum. Depending on the degree and location of the tear, surgery is not always needed.

On Monday, Sanchez said he would seek a “few different opinions,” so he may be visiting with other doctors before making a decision on surgery.

If Sanchez does wind up having surgery, his season, and possibly his career with the Jets, would be over.

The injury occurred when coach Rex Ryan inserted Sanchez into the fourth quarter against the Giants behind the Jets backup offensive line. Giants tackle Marvin Austin drilled Sanchez and sent the Jets quarterback situation into disarray.

Rookie Geno Smith became the starter with Sanchez sidelined and he helped the Jets win their opener last week against the Buccaneers. If Smith leads the Jets to a win tonight in New England, he likely would strengthen his hold on the starting job so much that Sanchez would be unable to unseat him anyway.

Sanchez is in his fifth year with the Jets. After leading them to back-to-back AFC title games in his first two seasons, he has struggled the last two years and committed 52 turnovers. His $8.25 million guaranteed ensured him a roster spot this year, but the Jets drafted Smith in the second round and signed David Garrard to compete with him. Garrard retired in May, but Sanchez and Smith fought for the job through the spring and summer until Sanchez’s injury.

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Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley officially has been ruled out of Thursday’s game with the Patriots.

Kerley suffered a concussion in Sunday’s 18-17 Jets win over the Buccaneers. Kerley took a vicious hit from three defenders, led by safety Mark Barron. He returned to the game but felt concussion symptoms Monday and has not practiced at all this week.

With Kerley out, the Jets have Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Clyde Gates, Ryan Spadola and Ben Obomanu at wide receiver. The Jets signed Obomanu, who spent training camp with the team, on Tuesday.

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For the Patriots, WR Danny Amendola (groin) and TE Rob Gronkowski (back/forearm) are both doubtful. WR Matthew Slater (knee) and RB Leon Washington (thigh) are among those listed as questionable.