New York Jets quarterback Mark SanchezThe Associated Press
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has a torn labrum in his right shoulder and reports say he is exploring all his options which include having immediate surgery.
According to ESPN.com Sanchez visited with Dr. James Andrews who confirmed the diagnosis but the quarterback is said to be holding off on having surgery to repair the injury which would effectively end his season. He was quoted in a text to ESPN's Chris Mortensen as saying, "If I needed surgery right now, I never would have left Andrews' office."
NFL.com reported that Sanchez was leaning towards rehabbing the shoulder which could see him return to action at some point this season. However, he would likely have surgery after the season was over.
While the injury is not considered career-threatening, the question is whether or not Sanchez can play with the injury and still be effective.
The injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for the embattled Jets quarterback. Coach Rex Ryan was criticized for putting Sanchez on the field late in a preseason game behind a second-team offensive line. Prior to the injury, it appeared Sanchez had managed to wrestle the starting spot away from rookie Geno Smith. Now, the injury may not only spell the end of Sanchez' season but also his career with the Jets.
Smith helped guide the Jets to an opening weekend victory last week, made possible by a late game field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith will be behind center Thursday night as the Jets take on the New England Patriots.