BY NICK ST. DENIS
Mark Sanchez's season was basically already over, but now it's final.
The veteran New York Jets quarterback underwent surgery on his injured right shoulder Tuesday, ending his already lost 2013 season and likely spelling the end of his tenure in green and white.
Sanchez said his rehab and recovery was "encouraging" in the early stages, but he was recently instructed to go under the knife.
"I'm very disappointed that I can't be out there to help my team on the field, but I’ll continue to help our team in whatever capacity I can," Sanchez said in a statement. ". . . All doctors expect a full recovery and I look forward to getting back on the field. Until then, Go Jets!"
Sanchez has been a true professional since sustaining the injury in the third preseason game and moving aside for the rookie Geno Smith, who is coming off a stellar game on Monday night. The incumbent Sanchez has been at Smith's side throughout the first part of the season and appeared genuinely enthusiastic after his successor helped pulled out a big-time victory.
Gang Green will likely cut the USC product at some point prior to the start of their 2014 offseason program. But for now, both parties will have to play the part of associates.
“Throughout this process, our goal has been to provide Mark every opportunity to return this season," general manager John Idzik said. "He and our medical staff have worked very diligently to that end and now it has been concluded that surgery is required. He will have our full support for a complete recovery.”
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