FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan hopes New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, recovering from offseason knee surgery, will be able to participate in minicamp in June.

Ryan says Saturday that the Jets will not rush Sanchez back, but says the second-year quarterback is looking good and has started throwing passes.

Sanchez had a procedure on his left knee Feb. 17 to repair the patella ligament. He said two weeks ago that he hoped to be running on ground sometime around mid-May and didn't rule out participating in minicamp June 14-16.

Ryan also acknowledged that the team is interested in veteran backup quarterback Mark Brunell, but the Jets can't sign any unrestricted free agents until July 22 unless one of their own signs elsewhere before then.