New York Jets head coach Adam Gase revealed that quarterback Sam Darnold is “trending in the right direction” for the Dolphins game.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—Sam Darnold just might suit up this weekend when the Miami Dolphins come to MetLife Stadium. New York Jets head coach Adam Gase projected a positive vibe towards his starting quarterback’s chances on his regularly-scheduled Wednesday Zoom cal.
Gase said that Darnold is “trending in the right direction,” but that he and the team will “take it one day at a time.”
Won't practice today, per Gase:
FantLimited today, per Gase:
Cashman
Darnold
Chuma
Herndon
PerrimanHe believes Darnold is "trending in the right direction." Taking it day by day. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) November 25, 2020
Darnold, 23, will practice on a limited basis Wednesday, which means he should take part in team and individual sessions while keeping the overall throwing lighter. The USC product missed his fourth game of the season in the Jets’ 34-28 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday.
The kid initially injured his shoulder during the Thursday night loss to the Denver Broncos earlier in the season. Although he reemerged from the locker room that night, Darnold missed the following two games due to an AC joint issue.
He reinjured the same shoulder when scrambling against the Kansas City Chiefs and missed two more games (the last two starts).
A big part of Darnold’s return hinges on whether or not his shoulder can sustain a hit, especially in the event he’s driven into the ground. It’s something Gase mentioned on Monday’s conference call.
When asked how the coaching staff can determine whether or not the shoulder can effectively take that punishment, Gase threw himself in the same boat as every non-doctor.
“I’m asking the same question,” Gase said. “I’m talking to him (Darnold) a lot. I’m talking to the trainers a lot. I’m talking to Joe D. (Joe Douglas) about it. The rest of the coaching staff is like, ‘How do we really know?’
“I’m not worried about structural damage or something like that.”
Veteran Joe Flacco has enjoyed a bit of a reemergence over the last two games. He threw for three touchdowns against the Patriots, and after a wasted first half in Los Angeles, the former Super Bowl MVP threw for over 200 yards and another two scores.
Whether or not Darnold starts Sunday is still in doubt, but to hear the head coach speak positively on Wednesday is a good sign. Getting Darnold on the field with the team’s top three wide receivers is something most fans want to see.
Other injury news:
George Fant will miss practice on Wednesday with what’s being called an ankle/knee issue. He went down early against the Bolts and did not return to the game.
Other players who will practice on a limited basis will be Blake Cashman, Chuma Edoga, Chris Herndon and Breshad Perriman.
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