Mark Sanchez injury: Jets QB mulling surgery on right shoulder

Sanchez was injured in the preseason when he entered the Giants game in the third quarter, playing with second- and third-team players, and suffered a shoulder injury on his throwing arm. The Jets have not been forthcoming as to the extent and exact nature of the injury, although Rex Ryan stated this week there was a realistic chance that Sanchez would return to play in 2013.

Sanchez will be eligible to return to practice in six weeks and will be able to play in a game eight weeks after having been placed on Injured Reserve.

Speaking to NFL.com’s Rich Eisen on Thursday, a resilient Sanchez said “there is no plan for surgery at this time,” indicating that he will be focusing purely on rehabilitation. The next two weeks are critical in determining whether a comeback this year is possible.

According to Ian Rapoport, just one or two weeks will be enough time to determine whether rehabilitation is working, which would allow Sanchez to put off surgery to repair a torn labrum. The procedure would sideline Sanchez for four-to-six months, but could be done after the season if rehab works.

According to Mortensen, Sanchez texted: “If I needed surgery right now, I never would have left [orthopedic surgeon Dr. James] Andrews’ office. I would’ve stayed and got the surgery.”

A second opinion by Andrews confirmed that Sanchez has a torn labrum in his throwing arm. The quarterback was initially thought to only have a shoulder subluxation, NFL.com reported, an injury similar to a dislocated shoulder.

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