The Jets announced through their Twitter account Thursday Mark Sanchez will be the Jets starting quarterback for the Jets second preseason game.
This decision is likely due to Smith’s ankle injury which has visibly affected him.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, rookie QB Geno Smith threw four interceptions during Wednesday’s practice (three in 11-on-11 drills, one in seven-on-seven drills)
Jets head coach Rex Ryan called Smith’s performance “brutal.”
"That was Geno's worst day, obviously,” said Ryan. “The ankle is part of it. That's way too many picks. He didn't look comfortable today. It was a bad day. ... We've seen guys have bad days, but this was a really bad day."
Smith told reporters Wednesday he didn’t think the injury affected his practice. “Not one bit,” he said.
When asked why he threw four interceptions Smith said, “I don't know, you have to watch the tape," he said. "I'm pretty sure y'all got it. Just go ahead and watch it.”
While the 22-year old rookie has been struggling, Sanchez has been doing fairly well. Referring to the first portion of training camp Sanchez said, “I think it went just about as well as it could.
"I felt good. I thought I threw the ball well. I was accurate. I did my best to take care of the ball. I moved the offense down the field. I think we did that in spurts."
Sanchez went seven-for-11 with two touchdowns during Wednesday’s practice. During the Jets only preseason game the five-year veteran went 10-for-13 with a touchdown. However, he did throw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Smith went 6-for-7 for 47 yards before hurting his ankle.
Ryan said he would have to “see more” from both Sanchez and Smith before a decision is made.
The Jets second preseason game will be played against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sat, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
