New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold had been sidelined with mononucleosis since week two. Originally backup Trevor Siemian was set to fill his role but after suffering a season-ending injury, practice squad quarterback Luke Falk was QB1 during that time.
However, things are looking up for the New York Jets. Darnold has finally overcome the illness and is set to play this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Sam will start Sunday against Dallas.#DALvsNYJ | #TakeFlight
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2019
“Anytime your starting quarterback comes back, guys are going to be excited,” said head coach Adam Gase. “The good thing is, the way he looks at it is, he wants to come in and do his job.”
The Jets have begun their season 0-4 and they’ve been lost without their 22-year-old quarterback and their offense was hit hard.
Gase added that the return of Darnold will allow him to do more for the team. “I think it does open some things up (for the offense), as far as his ability to throw down the field. The timing he and Robby (Anderson) have is a lot different than what anybody else would have, just because of their experience together.”
Sam Darnold is back, wearing enough pads around his midsection that he could survive a hit from an 18-wheeler pic.twitter.com/gXh21oZ3Pc
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 9, 2019
Teammate LeVeon Bell is anticipating a strong return of his quarterback.
“I mean he’s (our) quarterback,” said Bell. “He’s a guy that’s gonna touch the ball every play and get guys in position. Throwing the ball downfield, getting the playmakers the ball… it’s gonna be fun, obviously, he’s gonna make his fair share of plays.”
In his one game this season against the Buffalo Bills, Darnold threw for 175 yards with one passing touchdown.