Sam Darnold was hit with mononucleosis and could be out a while, but the New York Jets will not be placing the quarterback on the short-term injured reserve list.
This is good news, because it means the Jets hope to have Darnold back before eight weeks is up.
Head coach Adam Gase told reporters Friday that the biggest concern is that Darnold could have an enlarged spleen, which could rupture with direct content, per Rich Cimini of ESPN: “He is not going to be put out there to where something like that could happen,” Gase said.
Clearly, the Jets are going to take this very easy. Darnold reportedly has already lost significant weight and is being quarantined while he fights off the disease.
The Jets are also expected to sign a third quarterback while Darnold remains out of commission. In the meantime, Trevor Siemian is the No. 1 quarterback, while Luke Falk will be his backup.