EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Mark Sanchez was sharp, and Eli Manning needed stitches.
Manning was forced to leave the New York Giants’ 31-16 victory over the Jets after suffering a bloody, 3-inch gash to the left side of his head early in the second quarter Monday night.
The Giants quarterback needed 12 stitches to close the cut, but he showed no sign of concussion after being hurt with 10:45 left in the first half.
Sanchez led the Jets on three scoring drives, overcoming an interception on his first pass, while playing the entire first half in the first football game played at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
The big night ended early for Manning, who was hurt when running back Brandon Jacobs rumbled up the middle and smacked into him with his shoulder on a fake handoff.
After losing the ball, Manning tried to grab it, but was smacked in the middle of his back by Calvin Pace. Manning’s helmet was knocked off and he was pushed forward.
Manning’s head plowed into either Jets safety Jim Leonhard or Jacobs, and the quarterback quickly called for the training staff, his hand covered in blood.
“I feel fine. I feel normal,” Manning said in a statement released by the team after the game.
Manning was replaced by Jim Sorgi, who threw two touchdown passes to rookie Victor Cruz, who had three touchdown catches.
Seahawks trade for Balmer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer was traded to the Seahawks after a mysterious absence from the 49ers during the past week.
The Seahawks will send an undisclosed 2011 draft pick to the Niners.
• The 49ers signed free- agent running back Brian Westbrook to a one-year contract.
Dizon out for season
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Lions linebacker Jordon Dizon, a three-year veteran out of the University of Colorado, will miss the season because of a knee injury.
Dizon injured his left knee during Saturday’s exhibition loss at Pittsburgh.
Footnotes.
Bears backup quarterback Caleb Hanie, a former Colorado State standout, sprained his right shoulder in Saturday’s exhibition game at San Diego and will be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason.
• Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has a sprained right knee suffered in Saturday’s game against the Texans but is expected to be ready for the regular season.
The Associated Press
