Doubts Mount That Sanchez Will Start Due to Injury

Mark Sanchez may not play against the Bears, Sunday when the Jets visit Chicago with a playoff berth on the line.

Sanchez who suffered some torn cartilage in his throwing shoulder after getting drilled into the ground on a scramble in Pittsburgh last week, is being termed by Rex Ryan as a game time decision.

“This could be more of a game-time type decision than I thought it would be,’’ Ryan said. “I think I underestimated where he was with that injury (on Wednesday). He’s sore. He’s got a sore shoulder, no question about it. But I thought he would have been ready to go if we had to play (the game) yesterday. I talked to (head trainer) John Mellody and he said he wouldn’t be able to go. I misspoke.’’

Ryan was not optimistic that Sanchez will play, reducing his status from 99 percent likely to 80 percent likely to play.

As a result, Mark Brunell will have to play in his stead. Brunell has not started a game since 2006, when he threw for 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in Washington. Since that time Brunell has watched his skills decline, and has been reduced to a back-up role in Washington, New Orleans and New York.

Brunell didn't throw a pass in 2008, and threw only 30 passes in mop-up duty with the Saints last year.

Is he the best option if Sanchez can't go? He is better than Kellen Clemens, but I am not sure if he isn't better than Brad Smith at this point. At least Smith can bring another dimension that the 40 year old Brunell can't bring -- that's the ability to make plays with his legs.