The New York Jets forced Mark Sanchez to watch from the sideline as rookie Geno Smith won his first NFL game last Sunday, but the fifth-year quarterback isn't giving up on the 2013 season yet. Not even with recovery from a major shoulder injury standing in the way.
Mark Sanchez injury: Jets QB opting for rehab over shoulder surgery
Mark Sanchez isn’t giving up on his season without a fight.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
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.
Despite unwavering support for his teammates, Sanchez says he’s upset with how this young season has progressed, especially after staving off an open quarterback competition in training camp.
“What I’m really disappointed about is that I got hurt because I won the competition [...] It was a done deal.”
Sanchez finished preseason with 366 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His quarterback rating of 90.0 easily topped Smith, who finished at 54.6.
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