Jets’ Sanchez Hopes To Play Despite Knee Pain

Jets’ Sanchez Hopes To Play Despite Knee Pain

by Ross Everett

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has been a
crucial factor in the teams 2-0 start, showing a poise and
head for the game very rare for NFL newcomers. Still, there
wasnt much worry at the revelation that hes suffering from
tendinitis in his right knee. The Jets announced Sanchezs
injury on Thursday, and hes listed as probable on the
official NFL injury report. Every indication from Sanchez
and the Jets’ staff suggests that he’ll be able to play.

Sanchez practiced on Thursday, and though he was seen
stopping to stretch and rub his right knee on a few
occasions didnt seem to suffer any impairment in his
mobility. He participated in the entire practice, and there
didnt appear to be any sort of effort to prepare Kellen
Clemens to assume the starting role.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan confirmed the injury while
downplaying its significance:

“It’s not that big a deal. He has something. I don’t know
how to describe it than just to say its a little tendinitis.
But, he’s fine. I mean, he fully participated and moved
around great, I thought.”

New York offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was even
more emphatic in his statement:

“Mark’s totally fine.”

Ryan then added a sarcastic note that brought laughs from
the assembled media: “Make sure he’s on that list. I don’t
mean anything by that.”

Ryan was referring to the Jets receiving a fine from the NFL
for not properly disclosing injuries to then-QB Brett Favre
late last season. Favre was suffering from a torn biceps
tendon, though the team didnt list him on the official NFL
injury report. The team was fined $75,000 while GM Mike
Tannenbaum and former coach Eric Mangini were each fined
$25,000 each.

The Jets are less optimistic about the condition of
cornerback Donald Strickland, who is suffering from a
sprained right ankle. Ryan didnt offer much basis for hope
that hed be able to see action on Sunday:

“I don’t think he’s going to be able to play this week. I’m
not declaring him out right now, but I don’t think there’s
any way he’s playing this week.”

The Jets host the Tennessee Titans at the Meadowlands this
Sunday afternoon. After that, the Jets will take to the road
for their next two games. Theyll play the New Orleans Saints
on October 4th before heading to south Florida to take on
the Miami Dolphins the following Monday night.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and a noted authority on
sports betting and NFL
point spreads. He is a frequent sports radio guest where
he gives advice on how to successfully bet on NFL. He lives in
Las Vegas with three dogs and a bunny.
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