Joe Flacco is excited to get to work with the Jets, but it’s going to be a bit longer until he gets back on the field.
Flacco underwent surgery in April to repair a herniated disk in his neck, which prematurely ended his 2019 season with the Denver Broncos. The after effects of the surgery will prevent Flacco from being able to suit up for the Jets’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
“I can’t speak to exactly when I’m going to be ready, but it will not be day one,” Flacco said Tuesday in an interview with SiriusXM NFL radio. “Obviously, we’ll get with the doctors and I have another checkup come August, so we’ll see where that goes.”
Flacco said he feels “normal right now” as he throws and works out on his own. However, it is unlikely he will be cleared for contact at any point during the preseason and will likely be relegated to light, non-contract work throughout training camp.
The 35-year-old Flacco’s decision to undergo surgery was one he wrestled with on a daily basis, as he was not sure he wanted to continue his playing career. After deep contemplation, Flacco ultimately opted for surgery and another go around in the NFL.
“My mind was just all over the place, even a couple of months into the offseason,” Flacco said. “I was kind of going crazy about the whole thing. The fact that I finally got [the surgery] done and put all that behind me, I can move forward and look forward to football.”
It took him a while to find a new home, but with surgery in his rear view mirror and his search for a place to play landing him in the Big Apple, Flacco is ready to make an impact in 2020. He won’t be able to go right away, but once he is cleared for action, Flacco plans on going all-in with what Joe Douglas, the man who discovered him when he was in college, is building at One Jets Drive.
“For me, personally, I want to play football,” Flacco said. “I’ve had some things happen, got injured and had to have surgery. I have to find my way back into the league. I want to play for years to come. I think these guys have given me a great opportunity and I hope I can make the most of my situation and make the most of whatever my role ends up being.”