The most hated man in sports is easily Dr. James Andrews. While he does have a great track record of healing players of their injuries, the second someone is reported seeing him, fans know the injury is serious. Andrews has worked with every baseball player in the league while also being responsible for the healing knee of Robert Griffin III. No one likes when their favorite player heads to see the famous doctor. The New York Jets are getting that news as quarterback Mark Sanchez will seek the doctor's advice over his shoulder.
Head coach Rex Ryan confirmed during a team press conference that Sanchez will in fact fly down to have his ailing throwing shoulder examined by the doctor. It has been 16 days since Sanchez hurt his shoulder in that infamous preseason game where Ryan made the decision to keep him in late into the fourth quarter.
Things appear to not have improved. While the coach insists that Sanchez has not had a setback, he is seeking more advice on the injury. Ryan told the media is was a mutual decision between Sanchez and he to fly to Birmingham. Sanchez will return in time to be on the sideline for the team's game against the New England Patriots.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Sanchez was originally diagnosed with a torn labrum. Other media is reporting Sanchez has a shoulder dislocation. Andrews will determine the severity of it. General manager John Idzik has been adamant over the fact that the Jets will not be putting Sanchez on injured reserve and they will not be releasing him or trying to trade him. Of course that came under question after the team opted to sign Brady Quinn to a backup role alongside Matt Simms and current starter, Geno Smith.
Fans may have forgotten all about Sanchez after Smith helped win the team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the rookie was not immune to mistakes, including an interception and a fumble, he helped rally the team to two field goals in the fourth quarter which were enough for the win. Ryan was not thrilled over Smith's performance but was happy with the way he performed under pressure.
Sanchez's injury makes it very easy for the Jets to name Smith the starter for Week 2. It is likely that the rookie remains the starter for some time. If Sanchez is still out by mid-season, expect many to wonder how long it will be until the Jets just simply release him.
