EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets drops back to pass against the defense of the New England Patriots during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)This season has been a rough one for Sam Darnold. On top of the New York Jets’ struggles as a team, and the constant Trevor Lawrence NFL Draft talk, Darnold has dealt with some injuries.
He hurt his shoulder during the Oct. 1 game against the Denver Broncos. Veteran backup Joe Flacco had to fill in for two weeks following that game, losses to the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins.
During last weekend’s 35-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Darnold took a huge shot. Per reports, he had an MRI which showed that he reaggravated the shoulder on the play. It is unclear if he’ll miss time.
The New York Jets host the New England Patriots on Monday night. When asked if he’ll have his QB1 available for the game, head coach Adam Gase said that he “feels good about it.”
Adam Gase on Sam Darnold playing this Monday:
"Right now I feel good about it." Gase is looking at it in a sense that today gives him one more day of rest. Tomorrow will be the big deciding day. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) November 5, 2020
Sam Darnold’s play has been pretty disappointing this year. He’s completing 58.6-percent of his passes for 1,045 yards (just 197.2 per game), three touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Of course, the Jets offense is pretty devoid of talent. Frank Gore and La’Mical Perine have handled the majority of running back duties, with Le’Veon Bell getting unceremoniously released earlier this season. The receiver corps is headlined by Jamison Crowder, Braxton Berrios, and Jeff Smith. It isn’t a star-studded group.
The 0-8 Jets will look to get their first win of the season against the AFC East rival Patriots.
