Sam Darnold will fall just short of his intended goal for a return, as New York Jets head coach Adam Gase confirmed his Sunday absence.
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is officially out for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Adam Gase confirmed the move on Friday morning at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park.
“The (lab tests) didn’t come back the way we were hoping,” Gase said. “Sam’s disappointed, but we’re able to adjust and work quickly. Our guys have done a good job with any kind of changes we’ve had to make.”
The lingering issue for Darnold continues to be an enlarged spleen as a result of a mononucleosis diagnosis from last month. Lab tests were originally scheduled for Thursday, but Gase said they were moved to Thursday night. Gase would further describe Darnold’s spleen as “close, but not where it needs to be”.
Darnold had originally intended for Sunday afternoon’s visit to Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS). He was able to return to practice, but spent the week in a red non-contact jersey, as he had yet to be cleared for such activities.
“It’s a tough thing because you want to stay safe. I want to make sure I’m safe out there and that I’m not going to die,” Darnold said on Thursday, per transcripts provided by the Jets. “But for me, sitting back and watching the team play and not having anything to do with the win or the loss, it’s not a good feeling for me. So, if there’s one thing I’ve realized throughout this time sitting down is that it’s a privilege to play this game.”
“I’m just excited to get back out there whenever it is. For me, it’s sooner rather than later is my mindset, but I know that I’ve got to let the doctors do their job.”
Luke Falk is expected to remain the Jets’ starter as they go into an inter-conference showdown with the Eagles. David Fales has been brought back to be the reserve quarterback after he was released after the Jets’ Week 3 loss in New England.
