Talk about a complete turn of events. Last week, we were convinced Mark Sanchez would be the starting quarterback for the Jets on opening day. It turns out we were misinformed.
Sanchez’s shoulder, which was injured during the Jets’ overtime win over the Giants a couple of weeks ago, isn’t 100 percent and could be more serious than initially thought. Reports have circulated that he might not be available for Sunday’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In fact, the embattled signal caller might not be available the first few weeks of the season.
Yesterday (Wednesday) was the day Rex Ryan said he would inform the world of Sanchez’s status. Sanchez, incidentally, didn’t practice on Monday and wasn’t expected to practice on Tuesday either. Sanchez wouldn’t get into specifics with reporters on Monday when asked about his rehab. But at this point, Sanchez’s shoulder isn’t the issue. This issue is what bought all of this about.
Ryan’s decision to insert Sanchez back into the fourth quarter of a meaningless preseason game is the issue. His decision, which would force rookie Geno Smith into a starting role on Sunday, set off a chain of events that could result in a season to forget for the Jets. Sanchez’s shoulder injury compounded what was already a murky situation at quarterback.
Last year’s third-string quarterback, Greg McElroy, had a knee injury. That, coupled with Sanchez being out, forced the Jets to bring in Graham Harrell for last Thursday’s preseason game against Eagles. McElroy, incidentally, was cut on Saturday. Harrell was cut on Monday by the Jets, who signed Brady Quinn the same day.
Confusing, isn’t it? So what does it all mean? The optimist will say it could be an opportunity for Smith to shine. The pessimist will say it’s too early for Smith to play and the Jets are courting disaster by starting him. Here’s what we’ll tell you: Tune into FOX on Sunday at 1 p.m. for answers.