Joe Flacco underwent neck surgery in April. Recently signed with the New York Jets, the veteran quarterback revealed he won’t be physically ready to play right away.
Joe Flacco not sure when he can play for the Jets
Flacco was a guest on SiriusXM NFL Radio Tuesday and discussed his health. During the interview, he made it clear he won’t be able to play come Week 1.
“I can’t speak to exactly when I’m going to be ready, but it will not be day one,” Flacco said (h/t ESPN). “Obviously, we’ll get with the doctors and I have another checkup come August, so we’ll see where that goes.”
Flacco also shared his thought process on waiting so long to have the surgery to begin with.
As it pertains to his new role with the Jets, Flacco knows he’s there to help young Sam Darnold realize his full potential.
“First and foremost, I want to help the team in any way possible and also be a guy Sam can lean on, that he can learn from,” Flacco said in his first interview since being released by the Denver Broncos after only one season. “I would say those are the two most important things: Help out the guys on the team and help out Sam to do all they can.”
Despite this, Flacco is also interested in playing ball — not just playing the role of mentor — in the years to come.
“For me, personally, I want to play football. I’ve had some things happen, got injured and had to have surgery. I have to find my way back into the league. I want to play for years to come. I think these guys have given me a great opportunity and hope I can make the most of my situation and make the most of whatever my role ends up being.”
At the age of 35, Flacco is hardly a spring chicken these days. But if he can come back fully healthy there is a good chance he’ll get another shot at starting in the NFL. Even if he isn’t quite “elite” these days.