Sam Darnold teases torn jets with imminent return

One day after falling to 0-3, the Jets received good news.

Starter Sam Darnold, who missed the last two games with mononucleosis, was tested Monday and scored positive. The Jets are hoping to play in their next game on October 6 against the Eagles.

Darnold was not quite Joe Namath on Monday, but predicted that the Jets will change the game.

"We are going to run a little here," said Darnold during a conference call with reporters. "It'll be fun, but it will take a lot of work. I know that many members of the team are ready to do this job. "

The Jets seemed to need a lot of work after their 30-14 loss to Sunday's Patriots. Recover Darnold should give a boost to the offensive ranked 32nd. It's also a moral boost for a team that could use it as we approach next week.

"It starts with [Darnold], Said coach Adam Gase. "I know he's determined to really help make things happen. As long as our defense teams and our special teams continue to do what they do and we can improve in attack, it should help us to turn things around in the opposite direction. "

Gase was careful not to say that Darnold would definitely be back for the match in Philadelphia, but his remarks left no doubt that he felt good about Darnold's chances. The team also released quarterback David Fales, who served as Luke Falk's substitute on Sunday, another sign that they are predicting Darnold's return.

"He feels better, he looks better," said Gase, "everything seems to be going in the right direction, I do not want to go too far in front of me, obviously we still have a week to make sure he is ready for next Wednesday. [for practice]. It's really the goal for us to put it in good health. "

Darnold said the tests he had on Monday showed that the size of his spleen had decreased, but that doctors still did not allow it. Mononucleosis causes enlargement of the spleen and the risk is that if Darnold is hit, it could break and kill him.

Darnold said the doctors had allowed him to start doing light exercise this week and that it will be tested again next Monday to see if the size of his spleen has shrunk enough for that. can play. Darnold also said that he might be able to pitch later this week.

The last two weeks have been difficult for Darnold, reduced to spectator as his team struggled.

"It's disappointing that I can not go and help the team as much as I can," Darnold said. "That's what it is." It's afraid to look, too, from the couch.The things we need to fix are small things and we can fix them. and to keep doing things right, it starts with practice.

One of the challenges for Darnold on his return is not to try to save the season by himself. The Jets have more problems than just a quarterback. Darnold is considered a savior.

"I'm just going to go and control what I can control," said Darnold. "We just have to adjust some details in other places as well. We are not blind to that. It's just going out and out in practice, in meeting rooms, in step-by-step procedures and being able to fix all that and not be shy. We are not worried about hurting anyone's feelings. It's about doing things right. We will do things well. It's just a matter of time. "