New England Patriots: Will they see Sam Darnold this week?
The New England Patriots could get their first look at New York Jets rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold.
The New England Patriots will be returning to the field this week, in Week 12, after having their bye in Week 11. New England suffered an ugly, blowout loss, at the hands of the Tennessee Titans heading into the bye week, so they will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field.
This week, they will be facing off with their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets. You do not want to be the Jets this week, as New England is coming off yet another embarrassing road loss. They will want to get things on track this week, and the Jets present a good opportunity for the Patriots to get right.
Like the Patriots, the Jets are coming off their bye week. Also similarly, the Jets suffered an embarrassing loss prior to the bye, getting blown out by the lowly Buffalo Bills. They will also be looking to get back on track, as head coach Todd Bowles is most likely coaching for his job the remainder of the season.
Defeating the Patriots would be a step toward accomplishing that. Having Sam Darnold under center would also improve the Jets chances.
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Darnold has had an up-and-down rookie season. He leads the NFL with 14 interceptions and is completing only 55 percent of his passes. However, it is not all his fault, as the Jets lack many playmakers around him.
Will the Jets get him back on the field this week? There is a chance that the Patriots will get their first look at the USC product in Week 12.
Darnold is dealing with an injury to his right foot that he suffered two weeks ago. There was hope that the bye week would give him enough time to heal up and get back on the field, and it sounds like he is making progress.
Darnold did not participate in practice on Monday, but he was spotted without a walking boot and remains optimistic. He has begun jogging and said that it feels great. Bowles did not offer much of an update, saying Darnold is day-to-day, week-to-week with his foot injury.
Wednesday will be the day to keep an eye on. If Darnold is able to return to practice, it means he has a real shot of suiting up this week. If not, the Patriots will have to wait until Week 17 to get their first look at Darnold.
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If Darnold is unable to get back on the field this week, veteran Josh McCown will be under center once again for the Jets.