Although Mark Sanchez needs surgery for the labral tear in his right shoulder, the quarterback is unlikely to immediately undergo the season-ending operation in order to salvage his chances of remaining after this season with the New York Jets. If Sanchez were to miss this season, he'd almost certainly be released in the offseason when his contract becomes non-guaranteed.
Sanchez met with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday and was told he'd "likely (need) to have surgery," according to ESPN. Sanchez, however, is intent on rehabbing his shoulder injury and preserving his chance of returning this season and competing for the quarterback job.
"A labrum will not heal itself; once it is torn, it is torn until it is repaired," ESPN's Chris Mortensen wrote on Wednesday. "The question is whether a player can function adequately despite the tear. It is not a career-threatening injury."
Sanchez plans to rehab the injury and undergo "week-to-week" evaluations in hopes of returning to the field, sources told the New York Daily News.
"If I needed surgery right now, I never would have left Andrews' office," Sanchez said to ESPN via text message. "I would've stayed and got the surgery."
The Jets, under new general manager John Idzik, reportedly want to use this season to evaluate whether rookie quarterback Geno Smith can become a franchise quarterback. Sanchez's contract guaranteed his salary for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, a possible reason why he's still on the team, but missing this season - especially after a so-so preseason - all but guarantees his release in the offseason.
Neither Sanchez nor Smith won the starting job outright, but Sanchez appeared to have a slight edge to start in Week 1. Because the quarterback competition hasn't yet been won, Sanchez appears to believe he has a legitimate chance of winning it and saving his career in New York - if he can return this season.
