Bowles: Darnold showing progress

Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold showed some improvement in the second OTA practice of the spring that was open to the media after a tough day last week.

Though the throws were mainly short, Darnold showed more poise than he did in the first practice the media attended, and coach Todd Bowles said Darnold is improving.

“He’s been progressing,” Bowl es said .“Obviously, installing the offense and putting everything in on defense, he’s seeing things for the first time on both sides of the ball. As the days go by, he’s getting more comfortable. He’s just got to keep working at it and getting better.”

The Jets did not make Darnold available to speak to the media after practice.

Darnold got 20 reps in the practice, six more than either Josh McCown or Teddy Bridgewater. He took eight reps with the first-team offense, something he did not do last week. Bowles said not to read into the f irst-team reps, but it is a sign the Jets are going to test Darnold at times.

He completed 8-of-10 passes and threw no interceptions in team drills. He threw one pick in seven-on-seven drills on a deep, desperation heave that Terrence Brooks intercepted. Darnold’s prettiest pass of the day was a sideline pass to Robby Anderson, which was perfectly placed so only Anderson could grab it.

Bowles said second-year safety Marcus Maye won’t practice this spring but should be ready for training camp. Maye had ankle surgery after last season.

WR Devin Smith is also sitting out the spring practices as he recovers from his second torn ACL, suffered in April 2017. Smith, the team’s second-round pick in 2015, has played in just 14 games over three injury-riddled seasons. He may have a tough time making the team this season with a crowded wide receivers room.

CB Trumaine Johnson was not at Tuesday’s OTA. Bowles said he was aware Johnson was going to miss the voluntary session.