Rookie Geno Smith is trying to take the New York Jets' starting quarterback job from incumbent Mark Sanchez.
To do that, he has to stay on the field.
Smith sustained a "minor ankle injury" Friday during the team's preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. The former West Virgina signal caller limped off the field after a play that saw him plant to throw, scramble left and drop to the turf gingerly.
He didn't return to the game, but he probably would have gutted it out if it were a regular season game and he was the starter. Regardless, Sunday, Smith was back on the practice field, albeit not 100 percent.
"I felt it was important just to practice," Smith said Sunday. "You can’t miss a day of practice. I pride myself for being out there at all times and one little ankle injury wasn’t going to keep me from practicing and competing with my teammates."
Smith said X-rays and and MRI on the injury provided "great results," and that while the ankle is still sore and lacks strength, he was determined to prove to his teammates he can handle the aches and pains that go along with being a professional football player.
"This is a contact sport, a very physical and violent game," he said. "And those guys are constantly putting their bodies on the line, so a little injury such as an ankle shouldn’t keep me out of practice. It’s important to show those guys that no matter what happens, I’m always going to come out there and give it my best."
Smith completed six of seven passes for 47 yards. Sanchez, who started the game, went 10-for-13 with a touchdown, though he threw a careless pick-six on the team's first offensive possession.
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