Update:
Jay Glazer reports that Sam Darnold believes he will only end up missing two games because of mono.
According to Glazer, Darnold says he feels “much, much better” and is hoping to rejoin teammates this week. Darnold added that he has lost around five pounds.
Doctors have reportedly told Darnold that he has to take 21 days to recover. The problem for Darnold is that his spleen is so swollen right now that his rib cage wouldn’t provide enough protection.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Jets QB Sam Darnold is “already feeling better” and even though he remains quarantined with mono, a return in either Week 5 or Week 6 has not been ruled out.
Darnold will have more scans the next week to monitor his spleen, according to Mortensen. Beyond that, Darnold’s physical conditioning will be measured and the Jets have reportedly been uploading daily practice installs and having him study future opposing defenses like the Eagles and Cowboys.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, citing league sources, reports that the Jets are preparing as if starting QB Sam Darnold will not available for at least a month following his mononucleosis diagnosis last week.
Ian Rapoport says he was given a timetable of three to seven weeks for Darnold’s return.
As of now, there’s no set return date, given that it’s unknown how quickly his body will recover and how long fatigue will be a factor.
The Jets have quarantined Darnold from the team, as mono is highly contagious. It can lead to the swelling of major organs, which are susceptible to rupturing when playing a contact sport. La Canfora mentions that weight loss is another concern, as eating normally is often difficult due to swollen glands, a sore throat and loss of appetite.
La Canfora adds that the Jets are monitoring the situation closely, but they could be in position to move forward with Trevor Siemian as their starting quarterback into October.
Darnold, 22, was taken with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jets. He agreed to a four-year, $30,370,490 contract with the Jets that includes a $20,167,628 signing bonus.
The contract will also include a fifth-year option for the Jets to pick up in 2021.
In 2018, Darnold appeared in 13 games for the Jets and completed 57.7 percent of his passes for 2.865 yards to go along with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown.
We’ll have more regarding Darnold as the news is available.
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