As expected, Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith will not play Saturday night against the Jaguars.

Smith sprained his right ankle on Aug. 9 in the team’s first preseason game against the Lions. Still, he practiced on the ankle two days later and practiced all week on the ankle. It became clear in the middle of this week the Jets were thinking of holding Smith out of this game as they danced around who was going to be the starting quarterback.

Then, Smith had a four-interception practice Wednesday that Ryan described as “brutal.” On Thursday, the Jets announced Mark Sanchez would start against Jacksonville.

Now, the question is how this will affect the decision on who will start the regular season at quarterback. Traditionally, the third preseason game is used as a dress rehearsal for the starters, but the Jets may have Smith and Sanchez splitting snaps next week against the Giants to give Smith a chance at winning the job.