AFC Notes: Jets, Patriots, Steelers

Jets

• Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets GM Joe Douglas legitimately thinks highly of QB Sam Darnold even if he didn’t draft him. He told former NFL coach Brian Billick in Billick’s book he evaluated him when he was with the Eagles and had him as the top-rated quarterback in 2018: “Sam Darnold was the number one QB on our board in Philly. We did not interview him but did more of a clinical evaluation.”
• At 0-4 the Jets are currently the odds-on favorites to land the No. 1 overall pick and the right to draft Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence. However, that would mean moving on from Darnold just three years after trading up to draft him No. 3 overall in 2018, so Cimini says New York and Douglas could face a dilemma. 
• Cimini writes Jets HC Adam Gase has come under some fire for his decision to play first-round LT Mekhi Becton with a shoulder injury on Thursday night. Becton had a capsule injury per a source.
• Gase said it was a pain tolerance issue and the rookie wasn’t at risk of reinjury when he entered the game to take over for a few snaps after starting OT Chuma Edoga was hurt. 

Patriots

Patriots QB Cam Newton posted the following on Instagram on Sunday morning regarding his recent positive test for COVID-19.

“I never will question God’s reasoning, just will always respond with, yes Lord,” Newton wrote. “I appreciate all the love, support, and well wishes! I will take this time to get healthy and self reflect on the other amazing things that I should be grateful for!”

• ESPN’s Mike Reiss notes if Patriots QB Cam Newton is asymptomatic, he can return five days after testing positive as long as he has two negative tests separated by 24 hours. 
• If Newton displays symptoms, his absence would be 10 days at the minimum, meaning he would miss New England’s Week 5 game against the Broncos. 
• Reiss adds that replacing a starting quarterback is never easy but New England had built completely around Newton’s skillset. His 35 rush attempts through three games were the most by any quarterback ever through three games. 
• Once again health for RB Sony Michel is an issue, as following his superb game against the Raiders last Sunday he was limited in practice all week with a quad injury, per Reiss.

Steelers

• According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers practice squad OL Jarron Jones was charged in connection with an alleged physical altercation with his girlfriend Saturday morning.
• Jones is specifically charged with aggravated assault, strangulation and simple assault. The first two are considered felonies.