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UPDATE: Jets head coach Adam Gase addressed reporters on Monday and it doesn’t sound like Sam Darnold is likely to play against the Eagles. New York’s starting quarterback still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
Adam Gase says it is still a question mark whether or not Darnold can play on Monday.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 30, 2019
Says this isn’t the clear answer the #Jets “were hoping for.” Sam Darnold still CANNOT have any contact.
Reading between lines: Doesn’t look great for Sunday.
Gase: "It's not an ideal situation" that Darnold has not been cleared for contact. So, Luke Falk will have to be mixed in practice this week with the starters.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) September 30, 2019
So here's the Darnold situation in nut shell: He's not as far along as the #Jets had hoped. Still a chance he plays Sunday, but not clear cut. Now Gase must weigh Darnold recovery/conditioning vs. getting Falk enough practice reps in case he has to start. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 30, 2019
ORIGINAL STORY FROM SUNDAY BELOW.
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has been targeting a Week 5 return after missing a couple games due to mononucleosis. It’s “not a lock” that he’ll be able to play against the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, though, according to a report from NFL insider Chris Mortensen.
Jets QB Sam Darnold still has hurdles to clear to play week 5. He says he will have more tests Monday on his spleen. If it's not as enlarged, he can begin practicing and working out. His cardio has been limited to walking & stationary bike. Not a lock but hopeful after mono bout
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 29, 2019
We’ll have to see how Darnold progresses this week. The Jets — who are off to an 0-3 start — can’t possibly risk rushing him back on the field before he’s ready. They have Darnold’s long-term health to think about.
If Darnold can’t play, it’ll be 2018 sixth-round pick Luke Falk starting at quarterback for the Jets. Falk completed 68.1% of his attempts for 296 yards (6.3 yards per attempt), zero touchdowns, one interception, and a 76.2 passer rating during a 30-14 loss to the Patriots in Week 3.
The Eagles have a nice opportunity to advance to 3-2 with a win over the Jets next weekend. There are rarely “easy wins” in the NFL but a Jets team starting Falk is hardly formidable.