Mark Sanchez is extending his lead over rookie Geno Smith in the battle to become the New York Jets starting quarterback, almost by default.

Could that be coach Rex Ryan's plan?

Smith, who hurt his ankle in the Jets' preseason opener against the Detroit Lions last week, had a miserable practice on Wednesday, coach Rex Ryan told reporters. According to multiple media reports, Smith threw four interceptions during 7-on-7 and full team drills and visibly was hobbled.

"It was brutal. It was Geno's worst day," Ryan said, according to the New York Daily News. "I think, and obviously, the ankle's part of it, but...way too many picks and things. Did not look comfortable today. Obviously he has to come back from it, he will come back from it. It was a bad day. Everybody, we've seen it, guys have bad days. But this was a really bad day for Geno."

The newspaper added that Smith said the ankle wasn't bothering him. CBSSports.com went on to report that Smith felt he had a productive practice.

"Not one bit. It's been a step up," Smith said. "I've been getting better every single day and every single moment out here on the practice field is an opportunity to learn from it and get better from it. We all compete out there. That's what it's about. It's never about me. It's about every guy out there out there and field working hard. "

When pressed about his interceptions, Smith said only that he needed to "watch the tape."

NFL.com said the Jets' rushing back of Smith indicates how much they want him to be the starter, but which of the Jets wants that? CBSSports.com indicated that Smith is general manager "John Idzik's guy," but if Ryan thinks Sanchez gives him the best chance of winning now and saving his job, would he have been the one to rush Smith out to practice before he was ready?

Why was Smith rushed back out if he was hurt?