The New York Jets have yet to win a game in 2020, and now starting quarterback Sam Darnold is out for the foreseeable future.
Darnold suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Although the former USC star suggested he could play this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals even if he misses practice, the Jets are making a move under center.
New York announced Wednesday that Darnold is week-to-week with his injury, with Joe Flacco taking over as the starting quarterback against the Arizona Cardinals.
This would suggest Darnold cannot practice and Jets head coach Adam Gase feels more comfortable going with the healthy guy in Flacco. Gase admitted Darnold is “in a lot of pain,” according to The Athletic's Connor Hughes.
The former Super Bowl MVP was inked to be Darnold's backup with the Jets prior to the start of the year after being supplanted by Drew Lock in Denver last season.
Flacco went 2-6 in eight starts with the Broncos in 2019, throwing for 1,822 yards and just six touchdowns against five interceptions. Granted, the former Delaware man also dealt with some injuries. But it seemed telling that Lock went 4-1 in his five starts at the end of the year. As a result, the Broncos released Flacco this past offseason.
It has nearly been a full calendar year since Flacco started a game in the NFL, but he will get his opportunity against Arizona. Flacco did make a brief appearance this past weekend after Darnold first suffered the injury, but he threw a total of just two passes.
Can Flacco somehow lead the Jets to their first win and possibly stake his claim as the starter going forward? It remains to be seen, though he will get an opportunity this weekend.
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