Mark Sanchez’s future is in doubt after injuring his throwing shoulder on Saturday.
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It appears Geno Smith will be staying put in the Jets starting quarterback role for awhile.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported late Wednesday that Mark Sanchez will likely need to undergo surgery on a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Sanchez received the diagnosis from Dr. James Andrews, whom the Jets had announced the quarterback would be consulting with.
Sanchez injured the shoulder in the team’s third preseason game when he was hit by Giants defensive lineman Marvin Austin. Sanchez was playing in the fourth quarter behind a patchwork offensive line, leading to criticism of head coach Rex Ryan.
He underwent an X-ray after the game which came up negative, but the Jets never released what an MRI the next day revealed. Sanchez hasn’t practiced since the injury occurred on Aug. 24.
Mortensen reports Sanchez will take a few days to consider whether he wants to undergo surgery or try to rehab the injury, but that the former is “more likely.” Surgery would likely mean the end of his season. Regardless of whether he chooses surgery or not, he will not be returning anytime soon.
Sanchez was likely to be named the starter for Week 1 after Smith struggled with three interceptions against the Giants, but the injury derailed those plans.
Smith started last week against the Buccaneers and was solid, if not exceptional in his debut. He finished 24-for-38 for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was already named starter for Thursday night’s game against the rival Patriots.
Sanchez struggled last season, his fourth in the league, which led to new general manager John Idzik drafting Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Sanchez had 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2012.
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