EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 11: Joe Flacco #5 of the New York Jets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold (shoulder) has already been ruled out, so Joe Flacco will make a second straight start this weekend for the Jets against the Dolphins.
At 0-5 and with the only explanation for Adam Gase remaining head coach is a full embrace of tanking, things are off the rails for the New York Jets. Brian Costello of the New York Post has reported quarterback Sam Darnold will miss Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, and Joe Flacco will start.
Darnold suffered what was revealed to be a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in Week 4, and he missed a 30-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Flacco started that game, going 18-for-33 for 195 yards with a touchdown. Now the Dolphins’ defense get its chance against a Jets’ offense that’s even more feeble with Flacco under center, and Le’Veon Bell now gone.
Get ready to see plenty more of Joe Flacco
Darnold was put back into and finished that Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos after being injured, which is just another example of Gase mishandling an injury situation this season. With less and less to salvage of the season, it makes sense for the Jets to keep Darnold out even if he wants to play at less than 100 percent.
Winning games is counterproductive for the Jets at this point. Gase is as good as gone, if not during the season then the day after its over, and getting into position to take a top-tier quarterback prospect in next year’s draft is a priority. Assuming they move on from Darnold, of course. Flacco is getting a chance to show he’s healthy after a major neck injury last year, and its safe to assume Sunday against Miami won’t be his last start this year.