Darnold sits out practice
NEWYORK » Sam Darnold’s sore shoulder is keeping him out of practice Thursday. The New York Jets remain optimistic the quarterback will play Monday night.
Coach AdamGase said the 0-8 Jets are giving Darnold an extra day of rest as the teamprepares to host the AFC East-rival New England Patriots.
“We’ll see where he’s at after today,” Gase said during a video call. “I think he’s going to be able to practice tomorrow, unless something changes.”
Darnold missed two games lastmonth after spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder against Denver on Oct. 1. He took a hard hit at Kansas City last Sunday and appeared to grimace, but remained in the game after being checked out on the sideline.
Gase said an MRI earlier in the week showed no additional damage toDarnold’s shoulder and the injury isn’t structural. He added that the team will see how the quarterback feels after he does practice and expects Darnold to be under center unless “something doesn’t feel right” in his shoulder.
Darnold will have had four days off before he attempts to practice again. While that might not seem ideal, Gase feels “pretty good” about Darnold’s chances of playing.
“I think it’s going to take a lot for him to stay out of this game,” Gase said.
In other injuries, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams ( hamstring), wide receiver Jamison Crowder ( groin), linebacker Blake Cashman (groin) and defensive lineman Nate Shepherd ( back) were also expected to sit out Thursday.
Williams has been a bright spot for the Jets this season, but didn’t finish the game against the Chiefs. Gase said he’ll be evaluated over the next few days and is a “wait-and-see” for the game. Williams leads the team with three sacks and is the only defensive lineman in the league to have three or more tackles in every game this season.
Crowder has been sidelined the past two games, but Gase thinks he’s “moving closer” to rejoining his teammates and practicing — perhaps on Friday. Despite missing four games this season, Crowder leads the Jets with 29 receptions and 383 yards receiving, and is tied with Braxton Berrios with two TD catches.
Fellow receiver Breshad Perriman remains in the concussion protocol, but Gase said he is in the next phase of his recovery and might participate at practice on a limited basis
Thursday. Perriman missed the game last Sunday after taking a hard hit against Buffalo two weeks ago.