NY Jets: Joe Flacco may miss only ‘one or two games’ to start season

NY Jets’ quarterback Joe Flacco is on track to miss only “one or two games” to start the season.

When the NY Jets signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco back in May, they knew that there was a chance he would miss some time early in the season.

Most estimates projected that he would return by mid-September at the latest and it appears as though he’s on track to fulfill that projection.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported some good news about the Jets’ backup on Saturday indicating that “he’s on track to miss just one or two games.”

Flacco reportedly visited a specialist in Philadelphia on Friday to check on the progress of his neck after undergoing surgery in the offseason. And it seems as though there were no complications and he’s on track for a mid-September return.

As Rapoport stated, Flacco has a final checkup early in September that will be the final test of whether he can return or not, but for now, everything is looking good.

The NY Jets signed Joe Flacco to give the team a dependable backup quarterback.

The Jets signed Flacco in the offseason with an eye on solidifying the backup quarterback position after a disastrous 2019 campaign. Once Sam Darnold went down with mononucleosis, the Jets saw firsthand how important having a reliable backup QB can be.

Trevor Siemian was first up, but former Pro Bowl alternate (yes, Pro Bowl alternate) quarterback was injured in the first half of his first game and knocked out for the season.

It’s safe to say the results were less-than-stellar when he was out there, however.

In stepped former sixth-round pick Luke Falk who was promoted from the practice squad less than a week earlier. Falk would make two starts and play the majority of three games putting up disastrous numbers as the Jets’ offense looked as inept as ever.

The return of Darnold would jumpstart the team, but it was clear that a better backup was needed going into 2020.

Flacco brings plenty of starting experience and, if healthy, is likely one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. The former Super Bowl MVP started eight games for the Denver Broncos last season finishing with six touchdowns, five interceptions, and 1,822 yards.

It’s clear that his best days are well behind him, but the Jets don’t need him to be a starting-caliber player. They need a capable backup who could step in and win a game or two if Darnold is forced to the sidelines again.

Given that Flacco will likely miss the first game or two, expect the Jets to carry at least fourth-round pick James Morgan on the 53-man roster and likely veteran David Fales who served as Darnold’s backup for the majority of last season.

Once Flacco returns, however, it’s highly unlikely that Fales will have a spot on the team.

Ideally, Flacco won’t play a down in 2020. But if he’s forced to, at least the Jets hope they have a reliable backup behind Darnold.