Mark Sanchez’s readiness for the opener is in doubt after injuring his throwing shoulder in Week 3 of the preseason.
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If Brady Quinn is the answer to the Jets’ quarterback situation, then the question must be an awfully discouraging one.
It is inside one week before the Jets open the season against the Buccaneers, and there still is no clarity to their quarterback situation.
A source close to the situation tells Metro New York that “there is a 10 percent chance that Mark [Sanchez] will be ready to start this weekend.” Sanchez did not practice with the Jets yesterday as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury suffered two weeks ago.
Rookie quarterback Geno Smith didn’t say if he’s been told he’ll start Week 1, but the focus is squarely on whether Sanchez is available to play.
“I’m trying. We’re making a good push and we’ll see where I’m at,” Sanchez said. “I just want to take this thing slow, take it the right way and make the right progression without reinjuring it.”
The Jets signed former Browns and Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn yesterday after he was cut by the Seahawks this past weekend.
Head coach Rex Ryan diminished talk that the signing of a veteran like Quinn signals that Sanchez will not be available to play this weekend. Quinn’s contract with the Jets becomes guaranteed for the season Saturday afternoon.
“We’ll look at all those factors as we move forward. … It was an opportunity for us, as we feel, to get a good football player,” Ryan said. “That’s kind of where we are right now.”
Neither player or head coach would confirm Sanchez would be on the field this Sunday and able to play. On the flip side, neither one would rule it out either.
“Don’t know,” Sanchez said. “It is day-to-day.”
Jets notes …
»The Jets came to an injury settlement with Greg McElroy, who was released this weekend. McElroy signed with the Bengals practice squad shortly after Monday’s announcement.
»Cornerback Dee Milliner, the No. 9 pick in this last April’s NFL Draft, was on the field and practiced Monday. He is expected to play this weekend. Milliner missed the final two preseason games with a calf injury. He spent much of the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery following the NFL Combine.
»Nose tackle Kenrick Ellis does not look likely to play this Sunday as he continues to heal from a back injury he suffered in the weight room several weeks ago. He rode the exercise bicycle on Monday.
»Former Jets safety Jim Leonhard has signed with the Bills. Mike Pettine, who is now the defensive coordinator in Buffalo, held the same position with the Jets when Leonhard played in New York.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
