New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has revealed that he still hopes to be fit to play in his side's opening match of the season on Sunday.
Sanchez picked up a shoulder injury in a pre-season match against the New York Giants nine days ago and is yet to return to practice, casting serious doubts over his fitness with less than a week to go until the start of the new season.
The Jets are yet to reveal the full extent of the injury and Sanchez was also reluctant to let people know where he was with his recovery, but he remains hopeful that he will be fit enough for Sunday's match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"I'm not going to get into the rehab process or what stage we're at. I just know it's feeling better every day," Sanchez told reporters.
"I'm trying [to make Sunday], I'm trying. We'll make a good push this week and see where I'm at. You just want to take this thing slow, take it the right way and make the right progression without re-injuring yourself."
Sanchez's position on the Jets roster reportedly came under threat following the arrival of veteran quarterback Brady Quinn, but coach Rex Ryan has reassured the 26-year-old that he still has a future with the team.
Barney Corkhill
