Sam Darnold, Le'Veon Bell
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New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell pokes fun at quarterback Sam Darnold’s return to the practice field after mononucleosis diagnosis.

Every day is getting closer to Sam Darnold‘s return to game action.

The New York Jets quarterback was diagnosed with mononucleosis in September and hasn’t played a game since their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite mono usually leading to a long recovery period, Darnold returned to the practice field this week. He’s not yet able to take part in contact drills.

However, a return to practice nonetheless is a beneficial sign for Darnold and the Jets. It’s also led to newly-acquired running back Le’Veon Bell poking fun at the second-year quarterback’s rebound on Twitter.

Darnold hasn’t been with the team since the diagnosis. Mono essentially requires a quarantined lifestyle for the time being. But, that seems to be over, as he may even play this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s not 100% confirmed Darnold will suit up and go play, but, it’s not 100% confirmed he’ll sit either. Fans will surely find out soon enough, as the Week 5 matchup is right around the corner.

Since the Jets initially ruled Darnold out for their Week 2 game against the Browns, they’ve have started two different quarterbacks.

New York threw in backup quarterback Trevor Siemian to start the Cleveland game, only for him to suffer a season-ending ankle injury. Luke Falk, who’s primarily the third-string quarterback, finished the Cleveland game and started the Week 3 loss to New England.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.