CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) - Mark Sanchez and the rest of the Jets’ starters are going to get some extra time to shake off their offseason rust.
Coach Rex Ryan said Saturday that his starters on offense and defense will play a little past the first quarter in New York’s preseason opener against the Giants on Monday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
“Because we’ve had such a long time off, that’s probably what we’ll do,” Ryan said.
Sanchez is looking forward to the game, his first since having the patella-stabilizing ligament in his left knee repaired in February. He said he has had no problems with it during training camp, and is eager to test it in a game situation.
“I want to hopefully get hit, not blindsided or anything,” Sanchez said. “Take a little shot here or there after a play. It’s good. It will be fine.”
The game will also be the Jets debuts for several new players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie.
“The dog days of camp start to set in, you’re ready to move on and play a different uniform,” Sanchez said. “We’re excited to see the fans in our home stadium that first night. It’ll be good for all of us.
Holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis likely won’t be there after missing his 14th day of camp. The All-Pro is holding out in a contract dispute with the team, and wants to become the league’s highest-paid cornerback. He’s scheduled to make $1 million in the fourth year of his six-year rookie deal.
Ryan ruled out linebackers Josh Mauga (concussion) and Brashton Satele (ankle) for the game. Mauga was injured after taking a hard hit in practice from fullback John Conner, who’s nicknamed “The Terminator.”
Conner is on the short list of young players Ryan wants to see in a game setting, as are fourth-round running back Joe McKnight, fullback Jason Davis, linebackers Kenwin Cummings and Lance Laury, and cornerback Brian Jackson.
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