The New York Jets have gotten a much needed boost ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. After missing the past couple of games, Jets starting quarterback Sam Darnold appears to be on track to make his return to he field on Sunday.

This report comes via Charean Williams of NBC Sports:

Jets coach Adam Gase said a week ago he was optimistic about Sam Darnold‘s chances of returning in Week 12.

After Darnold was a full participant in practice Thursday, it appears the starting quarterback will return to the lineup Sunday against the Dolphins.

Darnold has been dealing with a shoulder issue for quite some time now, and the 23-year-old aggravated the injury in Week 8, costing him the Jets' next two contests. He's appeared to have recovered fully from the injury, and has been deemed fit enough to start for New York against the Dolphins.

After all, at 0-10, it would be foolish for the Jets to force a premature return for their star QB and risk a recurrence of the injury. This is also not the first time this year Darnold has missed games because of the same problematic shoulder.

The last time Darnold was in action was against the Kansas City Chiefs back in Week 8. The former USC standout finished with 18-of-30 completed passes for 133 yards, with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He hasn't exactly been playing tremendous football for the Jets, but his return still remains to be a welcome development for a struggling New York side.