Mark Sanchez has a labral tear in his right shoulder and is "likely to have surgery" that could end his 2013 New York Jets season before it even begins, according to ESPN.
The extent of Sanchez's injury was confirmed on Wednesday by famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews ESPN reported, adding that Sanchez has the option of rehabbing his shoulder and attempting to play at some point during the season. If he chooses the latter, he would still likely need offseason surgery.
According to ESPN, Sanchez is still weighing his options. He suffered the tear during the Jet's third preseason game after coach Rex Ryan inexplicably put him into a meaningless exhibition game late into the contest.
"If I needed surgery right now, I never would have left Andrews' office," a defiant Sanchez told ESPN in a text message. "I would've stayed and got the surgery." Asked if he wanted to deny that he was likely to have surgery, Sanchez later texted: "There's nothing to report. It's reckless."
Yet, a source close to Sanchez told ESPN it would be foolish for Sanchez to delay the inevitable, particularly given the gravity of his injury and the team's newfound commitment to rookie quarterback Geno Smith.
Counseled by Dr. Andrews, Sanchez is expected to make his decision over the next several days. According to ESPN, labrum injuries do not heal themselves; the question is whether a player can function adequately enough despite the pain and injury until the repair is done.
When Sanchez was injured Aug. 24, while playing behind a second-team offensive line, he appeared to be on the verge of claiming the starting job after a training camp battle with Smith. The situation immediately prompted criticism of Ryan from the general public, but Jets owner Woody Johnson hinted that Sanchez was partly to blame because he failed to protect himself.
Smith flashed signs of brilliance in leading the Jets to a season-opening 18-17 win over Tampa Bay. He led a late drive aided by a key penalty for the winning score and completed 24 of 38 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown.
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