Mark Sanchez will not practice this week because of a shoulder injury. But New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is not yet ready to name rookie Geno Smith the starting quarterback for Week 1.
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"I'm not going to put myself or anybody in a box," Ryan said Monday. "When we're ready to name a starter, we will."
This Ryan appearance was a calm affair compared to Saturday's bizarre, tense press conference. Ryan tried to defuse the controversy surrounding his decision to play Sanchez late in the team's preseason win over the New York Giants. Ryan started Monday's media session with a film review showing some of the positives surrounding the team in an effort to turn the page from the quarterback talk.
Ryan also wouldn't say whether or not Smith will play in the Jets' preseason finale Thursday. That game figures to feature Matt Simms and Greg McElroy who are battling for the No. 3 quarterback role.
When asked about Ryan's decision to play him against the Giants, Sanchez declined to criticize his coach.
"I'm not here to second-guess the coaches," Sanchez said, via The Associated Press. "If they call you to play, you better be ready to play. And I was."
The team can stay tight-lipped for now, but Ryan's starting quarterback choice will probably be made for him. If Sanchez isn't fully practicing by early next week, the Jets will have no choice but start Smith in Week 1. (No matter how many interceptions Smith threw last week.)
Smith will take the starting reps at practice this week, just like he did last week. There's no reason to think that will change anytime soon.
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