The New York Jets are planning to start veteran quarterback Josh McCown over rookie Sam Darnold for their Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Darnold recently returned to practice for the first time since suffering a foot injury in Week 9 against the Dolphins, which caused him to miss the past two games. But per Rapoport, the Jets are committed to making sure Darnold’s foot is 100 percent when he returns.
Darnold, who is listed as questionable against the Titans, could still convince the Jets to start him in a pregame workout. But McCown appears to be the more likely choice to start for a third-straight game. McCown, who is also dealing with a thumb injury, has completed 43 of 79 passes for 411 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in his two starts thus far.
Prior to suffering his injury, Darnold went through a rough three-game stretch where he completed just 47 percent of his passes for 588 yards with two touchdowns against a whopping seven interceptions.
It makes a lot of sense for the Jets to exercise caution with regard to Darnold’s health. At 3-8, they have nothing to play for this season. They would just be putting their prized rookie quarterback in unnecessary risk if they elect to play him even though his foot still may not be completely healed.
It would be wise to wait another week in order for Darnold’s foot to recover fully before they throw him back out onto the field in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.
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