New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has insisted that he has no regrets about the decision that led to quarterback Mark Sanchez picking up a shoulder injury.

Jets coach Rex Ryan controversially brought on Sanchez in the fourth quarter of a pre-season match against the New York Giants, leading to the quarterback suffering an injury that has ruled him out of the opening match of the season.

Rookie Geno Smith will now take on the mantle of being the Jets' number one quarterback, leaving Johnson to deal with having the most expensive back-up player in the league in Sanchez.

However, Johnson refused to blame Ryan for the incident and hinted that Sanchez should have taken better care of himself.

"That was a decision that was made. I don't have any regrets. He's an experienced guy. I wished he hadn't gotten hurt, but you've got to protect yourself too," Johnson told reporters.

Smith will play his first NFL match when the Jets take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their opening game of the new season on Sunday.