Updated

Geno Smith will start at quarterback for the New York Jets in the season opener Sunday at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team announced its decision through its Twitter feed Wednesday, finally confirming what had been expected since Mark Sanchez injured his right shoulder in a preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 24. Smith, who had an up-and-down preseason, was the team's second-round draft pick out West Virginia.

After Smith threw three interceptions and took a safety in three-plus quarters against the Giants, it was widely assumed Sanchez was in good position to win the job. But Ryan chose to put Sanchez in the game in the fourth quarter — and the quarterback suffered the injury that could sideline him several weeks.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org