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I didn’t think much of the news yesterday that Jets quarterback Sam Darnold missed practice, due to what was rumored to be strep throat. On Thursday, though, Jets head coach Adam Gase dropped the news that Darnold is out for the Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns because he has mono.
Sam Darnold has mono and will miss Monday's game against the Browns, per Adam Gase. pic.twitter.com/b3rUSCVFNM
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 12, 2019
Darnold will be replaced by QB Trevor Siemian. Siemian was the Broncos’ starting quarterback from 2016-2017, starting a total of 24 games. During that time, he threw 30 touchdowns to 24 interceptions. The Jets would much rather have Darnold under center, but that’s out of the picture now — it’ll be Siemian thrust into the starting lineup.
The possible issues for the Jets this week don’t just stop at quarterback. RB Le’Veon Bell is getting an MRI on his shoulder and is not practicing today. Field Yates of ESPN highlights everything the Jets are dealing with right now:
Jets injury updates:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 12, 2019
QB Sam Darnold: Mono, out for Week 2, possibly multiple weeks
RB Le’Veon Bell: Out of practice today, getting an MRI on shoulder
DL Quinnen Williams: Not practicing today (ankle)
LB CJ Mosley: Left Week 1 (groin), no practice today
WR Quincy Enunwa: On IR
I wanted to see Darnold vs. Mayfield again; it’s better for the game, especially with Cleveland being featured in prime time. On the same note, I can’t understate the competitive advantage this gives Cleveland. It can’t be a circumstance where they expect the Jets to roll over, though — they have to show that discipline and hunger to make sure the Jets can never get going with Siemian under center.