New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Thursday that quarterback Mark Sanchez will likely be a game-time decision due to the slight cartilage tear in his shoulder.
“If this young man isn’t ready to go, throwing with zip down the field — this team (the Bears) forces a ton of turnovers and they attack the quarterback — then we’ll move on and go with Brunell,” Ryan said. “I don’t think it’s essential (Sanchez) plays, but I’d like him to play. He’s still got to improve before we’re going to be comfortable with him being the starting quarterback. … We think he will.”
Sanchez, who suffered the shoulder tear during last Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, was limited in practice for the second day in a row.
“He’s sore. Hopefully he gets through this game and he’s better. Kind of like Nick Mangold’s shoulder got better every week,” Ryan said. “It wasn’t like he got hurt at the end of the game. He got injured at the beginning of the game and pushed through it. He’s a tough guy.”
Wednesday Sanchez sounded determined to play, even if his practice time was limited this week.
Veteran backup Mark Brunell would start if Sanchez is unable to play. The Jets are in Chicago Sunday to face the Bears and could clinch a playoff berth with a victory.