Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith suffered an ankle injury in Friday night’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions, according to ESPNNewYork.com. Smith said there was “no fractures, no breaks.”
The injury occurred during a play in which he was scrambling up field and twisted his ankle.
“I was in complete disbelief,” said Smith. He added if the Jets had been playing a regular season game he would have been able to come back.
Smith’s competition, veteran QB Mark Sanchez, had a good night behind center—outside of a pick-six—in the Jets 26-17 loss. Sanchez went 10-for-13, throwing for 125 yards and completing a touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland.
"Other than one crappy play, it wasn't too bad," Sanchez said of his performance.
Prior to his injury Smith was 6-for-7, passing for 47 yards. "I think I played exceptionally well," Smith said.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan said Smith’s injury was “just sore. … I don’t think it’s anything significant.”
Following the game Smith was in a compression sleeve, an electronic stimulator and wore flip flops. According to the rookie, he wants to be in practice next week.
Smith was originally scheduled to start the Jets second preseason game. Ryan was asked if the injury would change his plans.
"I'd rather not deal with the what-ifs," he said. "We'll see where he is."
Sanchez is still confident he will be the Jets’ Week 1 starter.
"Yeah, that's the plan,” said the USC product. “I've said that before."
The Jets’ next preseason game is against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sat, Aug. 17.
