Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez leaves the field with a shoulder injury during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports

Despite Geno Smith’s dismal performance as the starter in the third game of the preseason, which is usually considered the dress rehearsal for the regular season, he might get the start in the first week of NFL action. Sanchez played late with the second team unit and hurt his shoulder. This could make him unavailable for the week opener.

From ESPN New York:

Sanchez is listed as day-to-day with a bruised shoulder joint, but his availability for the opener remains in question. As of Saturday, he still hadn’t resumed throwing, although there was some talk about him giving it a try over the weekend. It’s possible that Sanchez could be down for a few weeks, as ESPN’s Ed Werder reported Friday.

If Sanchez is unavailable there will be some big question marks on the depth chart behind him. The would have Matt Simms, who has zero NFL experience, and former Green Bay Packers’ back up Graham Harrell, who has 4 career attempts. Smith isn’t exactly full of NFL experience either though.