New York Jets QB Sam Darnold to start against Dolphins Sunday

New York Jets head coach Adam Gase told the media that quarterback Sam Darnold will start against the Dolphins (barring setback).

Wednesday introduced positive Sam Darnold news in the form of first-team reps and a head coach telling the media that he’s “trending in the right direction.” Two days later, it appears the kid is ready to make his second return of the season.

New York Jets head coach Adam Gase told the media on his regularly-scheduled Friday Zoom meeting that Darnold will start Sunday barring a last-moment setback.

Adam Gase says Sam Darnold will play this week against the Dolphins:

"Feeling good about that. Excited to see these guys play in this game, the three receivers, the way Herndon's playing" pic.twitter.com/FKWZPZB3Kt

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 27, 2020

“It’s been a good weed for Sam,” Gase said. “The last time we were going through a week, before that New England game, the way he’s throwing the football right now, you can tell there’s a big difference as far as the control, the velocity, his change of pace on throws. It just looks a lot different than the last time he tried to make a run at playing a game.”

Darnold, 23, last played in a game on Nov. 1 at Arrowhead Stadium, a day the Jets were manhandled by the defending champs.

Darnold finished with just 133 yards and no touchdowns to no interceptions on 18 of 30 passing in the 35-9 loss to the Chiefs. Late in the contest, he reinjured the shoulder he injured exactly a month earlier on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

Joe Flacco has stepped in over the last two weeks and provided a bit of a shot in the arm. With the team’s top three receivers back in tow, the wily veteran did some serious damage against both the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers—two games the Jets nearly won.

Flacco resumed scout-team duties in team sessions on Wednesday, and that pattern hasn’t changed all week.

Expect Sam Darnold to start against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, barring a last-moment setback.