Mark Sanchez exits early with injured throwing shoulder

Mark Sanchez left the game early with a shoulder injury after getting hit by Marvin Austin. (Al Bello/Getty Images) Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez left

Mark Sanchez left the game early with a shoulder injury after getting hit by Marvin Austin. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez left Saturday night's preseason game early with an injury to his throwing shoulder.

After Geno Smith played most of the game--racking up three interceptions and a safety--Sanchez entered in the 4th quarter to play behind the backup offensive line.

Sanchez, hit hard by Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin, was holding his shoulder and in obvious pain. He walked off the field and went immediately for an X-ray.

Sanchez's injury raised questions about why coach Rex Ryan would put him in the game, especially with backups.

After Smith's poor performance in most of the game, Sanchez was speculated to be the obvious choice for the starting quarterback. Now, it's unclear to what extent he is injured and whether he will be able to play.

https://twitter.com/RichCimini/status/371458672805027840

https://twitter.com/judybattista/status/371451211209531392

https://twitter.com/MMehtaNYDN/status/371451486573568001