Rex Ryan Says Sanchez Start May Be Game-Time Decision

Jets coach Rex Ryan says Mark Sanchez may not play Sunday due to a sore shoulder.  Earlier in the week, Sanchez was said to have a 98% chance of playing, but after Thursday’s practice, Ryan reduced his chance to just 80%. He said it may even come down to a game-time decision.

“I think I underestimated where he was with that injury,” Ryan said. “This one could be more of a game-time type decision than I thought it would be.”

During Thursday morning’s practice, Ryan and the Jets coaching staff noticed that Sanchez didn’t look comfortable. Although he did make some passes, none had any power behind them.

It is believed that Sanchez is suffering from a cartilage tear in his shoulder; Ryan describes it as a “sore shoulder”.

Regardless of the description, the Jets will be forced to give their QB backups, Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens, more reps in practice and draw up some game-plan options. If Sanchez cannot start, long time veteran Mark Brunell is expected to get the start.

“Everyone knows the situation, we’re close to potentially getting in the playoffs,” Brunell said. “You think about that game, and in that game you think about one play at a time.”

What would be the ramifications of Sanchez not starting? Well, for one, Mark Brunell is left-handed. This fact alone could significantly affect the Jets passing game. Secondly, when the Jets did throw, you would expect the throw to the other side. Thirdly, you would expect the Jets to focus more on the running game. Lastly, the Jets would lose mobility at the quarterback position.

No one really knows if Sanchez will play in the NFL this week, but it’s obvious Ryan and the Jets are being cautious with their starting QB. Don’t be surprised in the Jets sit Sanchez.