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Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to miss one more week before returning to the starting lineup against the Bills on December 9 according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The #Jets could get No. 3 pick QB Sam Darnold (foot) back next week, but the following week is more likely, sources say. He needs to get on the field next week & see how his foot responds. The hope is when he’s back, he’s back for good to resume the progress he’d made on-field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2018
Darnold has missed the last two games for the Jets because of the foot injury. Even with a bye week to rest, he was not able to play in yesterday’s loss to the Patriots.
The Jets are walking a fine line with Darnold right now. With the season lost, there is no reason for him to play hurt and potentially make his injury worse. The team wants its young quarterback going into the offseason program healthy. He needs to be 100% before reentering the lineup.
With that said, games without Darnold almost feel like a waste of time. All year people have stated the season is about developing Darnold. When he isn’t playing, he isn’t developing. Right now the Jets are a bad team running out a 39 year old backup quarterback.
The best case for the Jets is for Darnold to have a strong finish to the season and build a little momentum heading into the offseason.