New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has not ruled out playing Mark Sanchez against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, despite the starting quarterback's injured right (throwing) shoulder.
"The fact that he is in such a groove right now, we have to look at it as the week goes on," Ryan told reporters Monday morning.
"Number one, I want to win this game. I think it's important to win this game," Ryan said. "If we can get to 11 wins, I think it's only been done five times in the history of the franchise. That would be huge. You want to go in (to the playoffs) with a win.
"Now, obviously, his health is the number one concern. It's kind of a fine line because he is hot right now," Ryan said. "We can't afford for him to take a dip. We need him to stay at this level. ... I don't want to say 100 percent he's out or he's in, to be honest with you. That's what I'm weighing right now."
Sanchez seemed fine in the Jets' 38-34 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, after playing during most of last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a shoulder injury. The second-year starter threw for 269 yards and a touchdown, completing 24 of 37 passes, as the Jets (10-5) clinched their second straight postseason trip under Ryan thanks to Jacksonville's 20-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.
Ryan talked Monday about the possibility of starting Sanchez against the Bills and pulling him early for backup Mark Brunell. Ryan said he hasn't made a final decision on how much playing time either quarterback will receive.
"That certainly will be discussed, for sure. I don't want to say. I'm really not clear right now," Ryan said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
