Sam Darnold Says He Expects to Return From Mono in Time for Week 5 vs Eagles
By Michael Luciano
The New York Jets might finally have a competent offense for the first time this year, as Sam Darnold will likely return to the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.
Darnold, who has been sidelined for the last few weeks due to mono, says his spleen is feeling much better than it was before and that he plans to play next week.
Darnold on @TMKSESPN: "Right now, I'm saying there's a good chance (I play), just because of how I feel, but there's no telling if my spleen is going to go down. If it is where it is + I can't play, obviously, that's not up to me...But right now, I'm planning on playing." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 30, 2019
While Darnold struggled in a Week 1 loss against the Buffalo Bills -- that isn't a shock considering their quality defense -- the Jets have looked downright pathetic without him, as Adam Gase's limited offense has failed to produce anything close to competence with Luke Falk and Trevor Siemian behind center.
Darnold will get a solid matchup of he does come back against the Eagles, as the Philadelphia secondary has been one of the worst in the league over the first quarter of the season due to their injury problems.
That pass rush against a patchwork Jets o-line, however, could be a problem.
A swollen spleen and the worst O Line in the NFL is not a good combo. #NotWorthIt
— R to the B (@TheHoun31088714) September 30, 2019
Falk is a backup and practice squad guy, so the only hope the Jets have at making something of this horrid start to the season lies solely on Darnold getting back to full health and making something out of nothing.