Jets Rule Out Sam Darnold As Starter, But Say He Could Still Be Active

Jets HC Todd Bowles announced Thursday that rookie QB Sam Darnold will not start against the Bills, but there’s still a chance he could be active for the game, per Manish Mehta.

Bowles did, however, confirm that Darnold is the starting quarterback once healthy.

“Sam’s our quarterback,” Bowles said, per Mehta.

Josh McCown will get the start this weekend.

Darnold is dealing with a foot strain and has been in a walking boot this week, so his status is worth monitoring in the coming weeks.

Darnold, 21, was taken with the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft by the Jets. Darnold 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 has appeared in nine games for the Jets and completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,934 to go along with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He has also rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown.