Mark Sanchez is ready to go for the New York Jets.
Coach Rex Ryan announced Thursday that the second-year quarterback will start in the team's regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills, but is uncertain how long he'll stay in the game. It's possible Sanchez could play a few series or a few quarters before giving way to Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens.
"We'll go ahead and start Mark this game," Ryan said. "How long he plays, we'll determine that as the game goes."
Ryan said Sanchez, dealing with a sore right shoulder, showed some zip on his passes in practice and looked good enough to make him feel comfortable about starting him for the playoff-bound Jets (10-5). Ryan was unsure Wednesday whether Sanchez would play Sunday, saying he was leaning toward playing him "some," but wanted to see how the quarterback threw Thursday before making a decision.
"Last week at this time, I had my concerns," Ryan said. "Right now, he is zipping it pretty good. I don't want to put him out there if we don't think he's healthy, but I believe he is healthy now."
Sanchez was injured in the Jets' road win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 19, but played well through it -- as he did against the Chicago Bears last Sunday. After a tough stretch before the injury, Sanchez's completion percentage was around 65 against Pittsburgh and Chicago, while his quarterback rating was above 80 in each game.
"More than anything, it's just the routine he's established," Ryan said. "He has a good thing going right now and he's comfortable. I just kind of wanted to keep that going."
Added offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer: "He's just been dialed in."
Sanchez was limited again at practice Thursday, as he was last week, but said Wednesday he was preparing as if he would start.
"I'm glad I'm not a head coach," Sanchez said. "I don't know. I always want to play. I like practicing; I like playing. That's all I think about. I love doing it and I just want to be smart with my shoulder. ... It's going to be up to Rex. It's a tough decision and I don't want to be in his shoes."
The Jets have already secured a playoff spot, and likely the No. 6 seed in the AFC. But they have a chance to win 11 games for only the fourth time in franchise history, something Ryan insists is not a factor in playing Sanchez.
"He certainly would not be out there if we didn't think he was healthy, without question," Ryan said. "Eleven wins is great, but quite honestly, we want to win in the playoffs."
Ryan said offensive tackle Damien Woody (knee) and safety James Ihedigbo (knee/ankle) didn't practice Thursday and likely are out against the Bills. Defensive end Shaun Ellis (back) and guard Matt Slauson, whose wife is delivering a baby, also missed practice.
"We're going to try to get our young players in," Ryan said. "Are we going to try a guy like Sean Ellis if he's hurting -- no way."
Cornerbacks Darrelle Revis (hamstring) and Antonio Cromartie (groin) and safety Eric Smith (concussion) were limited in Thursday's practice. Wide receivers Santonio Holmes (quadricep) and Brad Smith (hand), center Nick Mangold (shoulder) and linebacker Bryan Thomas (ankle) fully practiced.
Ryan told reporters that rookie running back Joe McKnight will see "a ton of playing time" against the Bills. Ryan praised McKnight's play in practice during the season's late stretch.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
