New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez today confirmed a report that his right shoulder has torn cartilage. According to the New York Daily News, doctors said an MRI on Sanchez's throwing arm showed a partial tear, but it wasn't deemed game threatening.
On Wednesday night, Sanchez said his shoulder was fine and he ran a few plays during 'limited' practice earlier in the day. He said he did some running and threw a few passes without any discomfort and it looks like the light practice was precautionary.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan confirmed his quarterback's shoulder was "sore," but he would be ready for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. The coach downplayed the seriousness of his star player's injury, "If he [Sanchez] had to play, he would be able to play today." "I'm 99 percent sure he'll be ready to play on Sunday," said Ryan.
There have been a lot of questions surrounding Sanchez's poor performances during losses in the past few weeks. His throws were off target and he was taking a beating until the Jets big win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers this past Sunday. During that game Sanchez showed some of the flair he did earlier in the season.
The Jets (10-4) travel to Chicago this week to battle the Bears. Chicago's strength is their defense, so Sanchez better be on his toes. Their four-man rush is led by a pair of sacking defensive bookends Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije.
The Bears (10-4) have already clinched the NFC North by beating a lot of inferior opponents. The Jets are still fighting for a playoff spot and the Bears could be vulnerable. They have the 30th ranked offense and their quarterback Jay Cutler is just as capable of throwing 4 interceptions as 4 touchdown passes.
"I feel our team plays best with our back to the wall, " said Sanchez, "We just want to get to the playoffs."
The Jets need one win to make the playoffs. If Sanchez's shoulder is okay, the Jets road to the playoffs should be much easier.
