Mark Sanchez Suffers 'Minor Break' In Nose; Jets' Cromartie Has Bruised Lung
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Another week, another injury for Mark Sanchez.
The Jets quarterback suffered what the team called a "minor break" in his nose during the 34-24 loss at Oakland, but has no limitations and will play in New York's next game at Baltimore.
Meanwhile, cornerback Antonio Cromartie has a bruised lung and ribs and his playing status was uncertain. The team also announced that backup tight end Jeff Cumberland is out for the season after tearing his right Achilles' tendon.
It has been a particularly rough start to the season for Sanchez, who was tested for a concussion after the season-opening win over Dallas, and bruised his throwing arm last week against Jacksonville.
"It's probably 'minor' to everybody else, but probably more than that to him," coach Rex Ryan said of Sanchez's latest injury. "If we got our nose broke, we'd probably think it was more than minor. That happens. He got hit in the nose, but the thing I love about Mark is how competitive he is."
Listen: Sanchez roughed up in Oakland
Sanchez was hit in the face on a sack by Oakland's Kamerion Wimbley in the third quarter Sunday. He finished the game by wearing a visor, which he will do for the next few weeks including next Sunday's game. He popped into the locker room briefly and didn't speak with reporters — his weekly press conference is on Wednesdays — but had no bandage on his nose or visible signs that there was any issue with it.
After the game, Sanchez had a welt under his right eye.
"I just came off the sideline and my nose was killing me," he said Sunday.
Ryan was unsure why a penalty wasn't called on the play since Sanchez was hit in the face, comparing it to Muhammad Wilkerson being called for a questionable roughing the passer penalty in the second quarter.
"Our guy gets a broken nose and I don't think there was a flag," Ryan said, "but I guess he must've been hit in the chest and broke his nose. And then ours, I don't know. Strange."
While Sanchez should be fine, Cromartie's injury was more significant. He was hurt in the second half, and taken to a hospital for further evaluation before flying home with the team. Cromartie wasn't in the locker room during media availability, but was seen getting into his car and driving from the facility.
"I think he's day-to-day right now," Ryan said. "We'll see how he progresses and hopefully he'll be out there Wednesday."
Ryan acknowledged that "it's painful" for Cromartie right now and hard for him to take a deep breath, "but some of these young guys, they recover quick."
Cumberland was seeing increased playing time in his second season with the Jets as a pass-catching tight end. He was injured early in the second quarter on an incomplete pass to him in the end zone when he came up limping badly.
Center Nick Mangold missed the first game of his career Sunday with a high ankle sprain, but was hoping to be able to play against the Ravens. Rookie Colin Baxter did a solid job filling in for Mangold.
"He's probably day-to-day," Ryan said. "I don't think he'll practice Wednesday, but he seems to be progressing, so hopefully we'll have him back."
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