Mark Sanchez now on I.R. with designation to return

The New York Jets have decided to place quarterback Mark Sanchez on the injured reserve with a designation to return, according to a tweet from the NFL Network’s Albert Breer. Players on the short-term injured reserve are eligible to return in Week 10, but the Jets have a bye week in Week 10, so the earliest Sanchez could return is in Week 11 against the Jets.

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) goes back to pass against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 24-21 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

It’s interesting to see that the Jets decided to use the short-term I.R. designation on Mark Sanchez, because this can only be used on one player in a season. What makes it more interesting is the fact that Sanchez has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and that’s an injury that could keep him out for the entire season regardless. If so, then the Jets used up their designation tag on a player who wasn’t going to return.

I think this is move shows more of a lack of confidence in Brady Quinn than Geno Smith, because there’s always a risk of a rookie quarterback struggling or any quarterback being injured. The fact that the Jets are willing to use this tag on Sanchez in order to have him come back towards the end of the season means that they just don’t think Quinn is anything resembling a legitimate contingency plan. And you know what? I definitely agree with them if that’s the case. This move probably says more about Quinn than it does Smith, and it really hinges on Sanchez’s ability to rehab and come back. You can say whatever you want about Sanchez’s skill (it’s certainly not starting-caliber), but you can’t knock Sanchez’s toughness; I don’t think that’s ever been in question.

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