Mark Sanchez still hopes to play this season

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez expressed hope recently that he’d soon be ready to play again, but those plans may have to be put on hold because his injured throwing shoulder eventually may require surgery.

ESPN reported late Wednesday night that Sanchez, who had seen noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews earlier in the day to seek a second opinion, is likely to have surgery after Andrews confirmed he has a labral tear in his shoulder.

However, two people with knowledge of the situation said surgery is not an immediate option, although Sanchez might end up needing to have the shoulder repaired if he is unable to rehab sufficiently to resume playing. The plan at this point is for Sanchez to continue rehabbing to see if he can recover in time to return this season.

The team has given no updates on Sanchez since the injury occurred in a preseason game against the Giants last month, other than to say the quarterback is “day to day.”

Sanchez confirmed Tuesday that he planned to get a second opinion, and also said he might seek further opinions. It is possible Sanchez will continue to rehab the injury in hopes of playing this season, although the situation remains uncertain.

Sanchez was injured on a hard hit just after throwing a pass late in the fourth quarter of the Jets’ preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 24.

Sanchez appeared surprised to be going into the game, and hastily warmed up on the sideline during a television timeout. He was sacked on his first play from scrimmage, and suffered the injury later in the game.

Coach Rex Ryan was heavily criticized for putting Sanchez into the game when mostly second- and third-string players were in the lineup. Rookie Geno Smith had thrown three interceptions and took a safety during the first three quarters, meaning there was a good chance Sanchez would have been the starting quarterback for the regular-season opener.

Etc.

The New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Jay Richardson, bolstering their defensive line after Tyrunn Walker suffered a knee injury in Week 1. The club waived receiver Andy Tanner to make room for Richardson. Richardson was among New Orleans’ final cuts of the preseason. ... The New York Giants were awarded linebacker Allen Bradford off waivers and placed linebacker Dan Connor on injured reserve because a neck problem. Bradford was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. Connor was signed by the Giants as a free agent in the off-season. The former Dallas Cowboy he suffered a stinger in the preseason finale against New England and reinjured it on Sunday in the season-opening loss to Dallas. ... Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman missed a meeting for a team photo, but he said it was an isolated incident that hasn’t been a distraction for the Buccaneers. The fifth-year pro said he overslept and did not show up on time for an early morning photo shoot on Labor Day. Later, he was not selected as a team captain. He said he doesn’t feel the vote was related to the unexcused absence.

Seahawks fans at Sunday’s game in Seattle against the San Francisco 49ers will attempt to break the Guinness World Records mark for loudest stadium or, officially, “loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium.” The current mark, 131.76 decibels, was set at a soccer game in Turkey in 2011.