2 min read • September 10, 2020
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Sam Darnold - QB
The Jets quarterback had several health issues last year. Most notable issue was mononucleosis, (more commonly known as mono) where he missed three weeks of play. There should be no lingering effects from the mono and this does not put him into a high risk category related to COVID-19. He also had offseason thumb surgery in January, repairing ligament damage in his left (non-throwing) hand. Drew Brees had the same surgery in 2019 and missed 6 weeks but that was on his throwing hand. Neither of these two things should be an issue this year. Darnold has long recovered and is fully healthy headed into the 2020 campaign. As the Jets continue to bank on the young quarterback, they’re hoping to build on the flashes he’s shown like the four touchdown, 293 yard performance he put up in a 34-17 blowout win versus Washington. In 2019, Darnold had an up and down season as a 22 year old passer, posting a 7-6 record and 3,024 yards, 61.9 % completion percentage and a 19-13 TD/INT ratio. Still, he improved in every statistical category except rushing yards from his rookie season, and is the Jet’s number one quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Joe Flacco - QB
The New York Jets’ new veteran free agent signing underwent April neck surgery for lingering nerve issues that ended his season after eight starts in Denver. The former Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens signal caller was released from the Broncos with a failed physical designation, but we expect him to be healthy going into the 2020 season and land the primary backup job behind Sam Darnold. He has started training camp on the active PUP list. Given his recent struggles at age 35, don't expect much else out of the veteran and this quite possibly could be the last stop for Flacco unless he magically regains his 2014 form. His performance in Denver was lacking last year (2-6 Record, 1822 yards, 65.1% completion rate, 6-5 TD/INT ratio) and while his arm talent is still there, his statuesque pocket presence led him to be sacked 26 times in just eight games behind a shaky Broncos offensive line. The Jets easily fielded one of the NFL’s worst Lines last season, but a revamped unit could afford their quarterbacks more opportunities. Joe Flacco could win some games off the bench for New York, but expectations are low.
Chris Herndon - TE
Chris Herndon had the roughest of seasons in 2019, playing in only one game while recording just one catch. He started the year with a four game substance abuse suspension and upon return suffered the dreaded soft tissue re-acclimation injury. This hamstring strain cost him the next four games, and on his first and only game back, he broke a rib and was placed on injured reserve. 2020 should be better for the talented tight end. The Jets phenom had a stellar rookie year in 2018, and is still looking to build on that 39 catch, 502 yard, four touchdown campaign. At least he starts out healthy this year and without suspension.
IR/Opt-Out List
WR Josh Doctson
WR Jeff Smith
WR Vincynt Smith
C Leo Koloamatangi
OL Cameron Clark
DE Jabari Zuniga
LB CJ Mosley
LB Michael Onwuasor
CB Bryce Hall
CB Kyron Brown
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