New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has not ruled out playing Mark Sanchez against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, despite a slight tear in the starting quarterback's right (throwing) shoulder.
"He's in such a groove right now," Ryan told reporters Monday morning, adding that the health of his quarterback is a top priority.
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 after Jacksonville's 20-17 loss to Washington.
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.
