Jets won’t have Sam Darnold back against Patriots
The Jets’ version of “play it again, Sam” will have to wait at least another another week.
Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold officially was ruled out for a second straight game on Sunday against New England. The No. 3 overall pick didn’t participate in practice for the third straight day this week due to a strained right foot.
Josh McCown, who threw for just 135 yards and two interceptions in a blowout loss to Buffalo on Nov. 12, will make his second consecutive start sandwiching the bye week for the Jets (3-7) after Darnold was injured in a 13-6 loss to Miami three weeks ago.
Darnold stretched with the team before practice on Friday, but stood and watched as the 39-year-old McCown and third-stringer Davis Webb took part in passing drills.
Asked if he believes his rookie starter could be ready to return next week at Tennessee, coach Todd Bowles replied only, “We’ll see.”
Wide receiver Robby Anderson (ankle) practiced Friday on a limited basis and is listed as questionable. Starting guard James Carpenter (shoulder) and safety Marcus Maye (shoulder/thumb) are doubtful.
Bowles said rookie tight end Chris Herndon’s play has “picked it up quite a bit,” with 14 receptions for 210 yards and three touchdowns over the past five games.
“It’s coming with studying time and watching film and asking questions in the tight end room when we’re watching film together, and then doing extra work at home to make sure I know everything they’re putting on the plate for the tight ends,” Herndon said.
Third-year OLB Jordan Jenkins also has been productive, with a team-leading five sacks, but he’s still looking to become a more complete player.
“I’m starting to take that step, I guess, but there’s still some things that I have do better,” Jenkins said. “I have to be more consistent, instead of as sporadic as I’ve been this season. I’ve got to work towards being effective in the pass rush and doing all of the other parts of my job more consistent than I have been.
“Sometimes, you’re trying to make a play and you get yourself out of position. It’s a really fine line, actually.”
