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NEW YORK -- Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez threw some passes while participating in drills on a limited basis Monday, the first day of organized team activities.

Sanchez is recovering from February surgery to stabilize the patella ligament in his left knee.

"Mark looked good throwing the ball today," Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie said.

Mark Sanchez, QB
New York Jets
2009 Statistics
Attempts: 364
Completions: 196
Passing Yards: 2,444
TD/INT: 12/20
The Jets confirmed that Sanchez threw some passes in 7-on-7 drills and participated in individual drills, but he wasn't part of team drills during the first on-field session of the offseason.

The second-year quarterback, who helped lead the Jets to the AFC Championship Game last season, will be evaluated by the team's medical staff on a day-to-day basis to determine what he can do during OTAs. Sanchez and coach Rex Ryan have said the quarterback will not be rushed back to full football activities to ensure he's 100 percent for the season.

Sanchez recently began to run on grass after being limited to jogging in a pool, then on a treadmill. Sanchez has said he hopes to return in time to fully participate by minicamp in June, but he would be 100 percent by training camp in early August.

Backup quarterback Kellen Clemens handled the bulk of first-team snaps in team drills Monday. The OTA session was the first opportunity for the players, including newcomers such as Cromartie, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, to take the field as a team in a practice setting.

Sanchez had surgery Feb. 17, and it was an elective procedure to help prevent future problems with his knee. He dislocated the kneecap during fall practice before his junior season at USC, then aggravated the injury during a Nov. 29 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Backup cornerback Marquice Cole also was limited for the Jets on Monday, and nose tackle Kris Jenkins -- who's recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee -- sat out, as expected. Linebacker/defensive end Jason Taylor was excused while attending a previously scheduled charity event in Florida.

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