Injured New York Jets fifth-year quarterback Mark Sanchez hurt his shoulder after being foolishly put into the fourth quarter of an exhibition game against the New York Giants in the Jets preseason Week 3 contest, and if Jets owner Woody Johnson's take on the injury is any indication, the Jets brass may believe it's partially Sanchez's own fault.
Sanchez, whose injured throwing shoulder has led to rookie and Jets 2013 second-round pick Geno Smith starting under center in Sunday's Week 1 game at MetLife stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was apparently criticized by Johnson who told the media that Sanchez "should have protected himself," and owns some of the blame.
"I wished he hadn't gotten hurt, but you've got to protect yourself, too," Johnson said at a Super Bowl XLVIII promotion in Manhattan per ESPN.
Johnson tried to clarify his statements later in the day, ESPN reports, but it's unknown whether or not the Sanchez era is over in New York as he's out for at least a couple of weeks with a bruised shoulder after getting hit by Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin while playing behind a back-up offensive line in the exhibition contest.
The injury can be seen below:
Johnson told ESPN Sanchez isn't going anywhere, but may be relegated to back-up signal caller when he returns if Smith progresses well. Sanchez is going to avoid the injured reserve, and Johnson said that Sanchez isn't going anywhere else as he's owed $8.25 million.
Johnson also balked at calling Sanchez a franchise quarterback, which he's never done in the past.
"He's a very, very good quarterback," Johnson told ESPN. "Franchise quarterback, you can debate the term. There's a competition for the job, and he's still in the competition."
Jets coach Rex Ryan was under a lot of scrutiny for putting Sanchez in during the Week 3 preseason game, but told reporters he had "no regrets."
Throughout his four-year career, Sanchez has played in 62 games and is 1,028-for-1,867 for 12,092 yards. His 69 career interceptions outweigh his touchdowns (68).
Smith will make his NFL regular-season debut against former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and the Buccaneers Sunday after finishing his senior year at West Virginia by going 369-for-518 for 4,205 yards with a career-high 42 touchdowns and six interceptions.
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