Sam Darnold
ESNY Graphic, AP Photo

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold could miss anywhere between 3-7 weeks, but is “already feeling better.”

At this point, your guess may be as good as anybody else’s.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to miss 3-7 weeks of the 2019 season due to his recent diagnosis of mono.

 

“Plus, Jets QB Sam Darnold’s timeline for mono recovery ranges from 3 weeks to 7 weeks. Not good.”

In addition, Chris Mortensen went the other way, providing good news on the Darnold front. The kid is “already feeling better.”

“Jets QB Sam Darnold is “already feeling better” and even though he remains quarantined with mono, a Week 5 return vs the Eagles or Week 6 vs. the Eagles has not been ruled out. He will have more scans the next week to monitor his spleen, per sources.”

Darnold, 22, has already been ruled out of Monday Night Football when the Jets welcome in the Cleveland Browns. It feels as though he’ll also be out for Week 3 in New England.

Considering the bye comes early in Week 4, Week 5, as Mortensen said, against the Philadelphia Eagles, may represent the best-case return scenario.

While mono is something everybody jokes about, it’s a serious diagnosis for a football player. It’s extremely difficult to gauge when the player’s spleen is ready enough to get back into action and possibly take a hit. If team doctors clear him prior to 100 percent readiness, a hard hit to the spleen could be life-threatening.

The Trevor Siemian-led New York Jets will kickoff against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com