NY Jets: Sam Darnold has a ‘good shot’ of returning in Week 12

NY Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold has a ‘good shot’ of returning in Week 12.

The NY Jets might see the return of their starting quarterback sooner than anticipated as Sam Darnold could be set to take the field as soon as next week.

Head coach Adam Gase spoke to reporters following Friday’s practice and he gave an update on Darnold’s status. Gase said that while Darnold will miss his second consecutive game, he has a “good shot” of returning in Week 12.

Darnold is actually listed as “doubtful” on the team’s final injury report, but the Jets already revealed earlier in the week that the 23-year-old signal-caller would be held out this week.

The former USC star is still dealing with a shoulder injury that has been nagging him for most of the season. Darnold originally injured his right shoulder in the first quarter of the Jets’ Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Jets allowed Darnold to finish the remainder of the game, but it quickly became apparent that he would be forced to miss time calling into question Gase’s decision to let him play.

Darnold missed the next two weeks before returning in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills. But after just two more games played, Darnold would re-aggravate his shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of Week 8.

Once again, the Jets allowed him to finish the game. And once again, he’s now missed multiple weeks following the injury.

The NY Jets have mismanaged Sam Darnold’s injury situation

Darnold will have now missed three consecutive weeks, although one of those weeks the Jets were on a bye. But if he returns in Week 12, the former No. 3 overall pick will at least have a few more games to showcase his talent before the end of the season.

That’s equally as important for the Jets as it is for Darnold. The organization will have to make a decision on Darnold’s future this offseason and while they may have their eyes on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a few wins led by some impressive play from Darnold could change that.

At the very least, the Jets would love for Darnold to play well to increase his trade value if they still decide to move on in the offseason.

No matter how you look at it, starting Darnold over a 35-year-old Joe Flacco is a positive for the franchise.

Hopefully, the Jets will see his return as soon as next week.