Tag: Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco needs to be better Sam Darnold insurance policy than his predecessors

The Jets signed Joe Flacco in case Sam Darnold got injured this season.

After two seasons of watching Sam Darnold’s backups stumble, the Jets came prepared this season with Joe Flacco serving as the No. 2 quarterback. With Darnold now out once again, Gang Green is banking on Flacco being a better insurance policy than his predecessors.

The Jets are 0-6 in games that Darnold has missed, three due to a foot injury in his rookie season and another three due to mononucleosis last year. Josh McCown was Darnold’s backup in 2018 and threw four interceptions in his three starts. Trevor Siemian, an experienced starter, was Darnold’s original understudy in 2019, but he quickly suffered a gruesome ankle injury in his first start filling in. That left the Jets with Luke Falk and, well, that was a disaster.

Flacco was signed with hopes that he would give the Jets a chance to win games with Darnold out. (Nevermind that they haven’t won any games with Darnold in.) Flacco has a career record of 108-78 as a starter, including a Super Bowl win. Flacco has thrown for 40,083 yards, 218 touchdowns, 141 interceptions and owns a 61.8 completion percentage.

However, the past couple of seasons have been difficult for Flacco. He was the starter in Baltimore for 10 seasons before losing his job to Lamar Jackson in 2018. The following year, Flacco started just eight games for the Broncos before suffering a neck injury that required surgery and a lengthy recovery.

Considering the trials he’s endured in the late stages of his career, it’s no wonder that leading the Jets offense gave him some jitters during Wednesday’s practice.

“Just to get out there and practice today was a lot of fun,” Flacco said, per SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano. “You feel like a little kid again. I think I have a lot left. I want to show my teammates I can play.”

Flacco will get that opportunity this Sunday against the Cardinals. While his main focus is on winning the game, he knows that this could determine his future in the league.

“I think I’d be lying if I were to deny that,” Flacco said. “I want to play quarterback in this league.”

As for the Jets, this is exactly why they signed Flacco. Going even further back than Darnold’s tenure, the team is 2-12 in games started by its backup quarterback since 2015. They’ve rarely had a No. 2 who gives them a better chance to add to that win column.

We’ll see if Flacco can deliver in Week 5.

Joe Flacco to start for Jets vs. Cardinals

Darnold has been ruled out with a shoulder sprain and is week-to-week. The Cardinals will face Flacco for only the third time ever.

The Arizona Cardinals will not face third-year quarterback Sam Darnold for the first time this weekend. A Manish Mehta report said the New York Jets were not planning to start him after he suffered a sprained AC Joint in their last game, but not multiple reports have come out that Darnold has been, in fact, ruled out in Week 5.

That means the Cardinals, who travel to play the 0-4 Jets this weekend, will face Joe Flacco, Darnold’s backup.

Flacco has only played four snaps this season, coming in for Darnold after he initially got hurt. He completed two passes for 16 yards in two attempts before Darnold reentered the game.

Flacco was the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens from 2008-2018 and led them to a Super Bowl title. He was benched midway into the 2018 season in favor of Lamar Jackson and then, after joining the Denver Broncos in 2019, he started half the season before being benched in favor of Drew Lock.

He went 2-6 in his eight starts with the Broncos in 2019.

He has started twice in his career against the Cardinals. He is 1-1 against them. He has completed 57-of-91 passes against the them for 588 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked six times in those two games.

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Sam Darnold out vs. Cardinals, Joe Flacco to start

Sam Darnold will miss his first game of the 2020 season this Sunday when the Jets host the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium.

Sam Darnold will miss his first game of the 2020 season this Sunday when the Jets host the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium.

Darnold has been ruled out after suffering a throwing shoulder injury in New York’s Week 4 loss to the Broncos. He returned to the game after briefly departing and was later diagnosed with a sprained AC joint. The Jets will not reveal the grade of the sprain, but Darnold is now considered week-to-week. Joe Flacco will start in his place against Arizona.

“He’s in a lot of pain,” Adam Gase said of Darnold, who threw a total of 42 times in Thursday’s loss, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

This will be the third time in his three-year career that Darnold misses at least one game. The 23-year-old missed three games apiece as a rookie and sophomore thanks to a foot injury and mononucleosis, respectively. The Jets went 0-6 in those games, which is partly why they brought in an experienced backup in Flacco.

 

 

Jets QB Sam Darnold determined to play against Cardinals, but status unclear

Sam Darnold wants to give it a go against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 despite his injured right shoulder.

Sam Darnold is determined to play against the Cardinals on Sunday, but whether he gets his wish remains to be seen.

Darnold suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing arm against the Broncos in Week 4. The injury temporarily sent him to the locker room for further evaluation, but he returned early in the second quarter after missing only four plays and remained under center for the remainder of the game.

Darnold did not disclose the grade of his sprain when speaking with reporters on Monday, which is an important factor in the timeline of his recovery — a Grade 1 sprain would bode well for his chances of playing. However, he has been getting treatment on his elbow in an effort to suit up against Arizona in Week 5.

“I feel good,” Darnold said, per Newsday’s Al Iannazzone. “It keeps getting better every day. I’m excited to see what my progress is come Wednesday. We’ll see what we do there.”

Wednesday is a key day for Darnold when it comes to his chances of playing this weekend. If he can’t throw in practice, his odds of taking the field against the Cardinals become slim. With that being said, Darnold does not believe he needs to practice this week in order to be ready to go for Sunday.

“It really does depend on what the doctors say and what they think can happen in the future in terms of further injury,” Darnold said. “If this can have a lingering effect if I do hurt it more.

“For me, the most important thing is playing football. I understand that there might be a potential risk. I think the most important thing is going out there and playing if I can. If I’m able to play and I don’t play, that’s worse than anything, in my opinion.”

Adam Gase did not rule out the possibility that Darnold could miss time when speaking with reporters on Friday. It’s also safe to assume Gase and general manager Joe Douglas will have a say in the final decision as they look to protect their quarterback. In the event that Darnold cannot play, Joe Flacco will start under center.

“Your best ability as a quarterback is your availability,” Darnold said. “I’ve always said that, and I believe in that. I always want to do everything I can to not miss any games.”

Jets vs. Broncos: Sam Darnold returns after brief injury exit

Joe Flacco replaced Sam Darnold in his Jets debut after Sam Darnold departed with an injury in the first quarter vs. the Broncos.

Update: Sam Darnold has since returned to action, relieving Joe Flacco in the second quarter.

Sam Darnold has left New York’s Week 4 matchup against the Broncos with an injury.

Darnold suffered an apparent shoulder/collarbone injury in the first quarter after taking a sack from Denver outside linebacker Alexander Johnson. He was taken back to the locker room for further evaluation and his status for the remainder of the night is currently unknown.

Joe Flacco is in the game for his Jets debut in relief of Darnold. Flacco missed New York’s first three games as he worked his way back from offseason neck surgery.

Cornerback Bless Austin is doubtful to return after suffering a calf injury in the first quarter. Offensive tackle Chuma Edoga is questionable to return after injuring his shoulder on New York’s first drive. Defensive tackle Steve McLendon also injured his knee in the first quarter, but is probable to return.

*Check back with Jets Wire for updates on Darnold’s status.*

Jets vs. Broncos inactives: Jamison Crowder returns, Joe Flacco active for first time

Jets vs. Broncos inactives for their Week 4 matchup on Thursday Night Football.

After missing two games with a hamstring injury, Jamison Crowder is back in action for the Jets against the Broncos in Week 4.

George Fant (concussion) and Mekhi Becton (shoulder) have been cleared to play. Besides Quincy Wilson (concussion), every player that was originally listed as questionable will be active for Thursday night’s game. Wilson is still in the concussion protocol, so he may need the extra 10 days before Gang Green takes on Arizona in Week 5.

Joe Flacco (neck) is active and will serve as Sam Darnold’s backup for the first time this season. The Jets released Mike White before Thursday’s game and fourth-round pick James Morgan will be inactive again. Jeff Smith returned from the injured reserve list and should help the offense in Breshad Perriman’s absence. Perriman will miss his second straight game with an ankle sprain.

Gregg Williams will not have Ashtyn Davis, Jordan Willis or Nathan Shepherd at his disposal on defense. Shepherd appears to be a healthy scratch, as the Jets have started to give his snaps to John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff. As for Marqui Christian, New York’s latest addition to its secondary will have to wait to make his debut in green and white.

New York has only three safeties and five cornerbacks active, including two cornerbacks making their debuts in Lamar Jackson and Javelin Guidry.

As for the Broncos, they will be without third-year back Phillip Lindsay in for the second straight week, as he is dealing with a turf toe injury. Tight end Nick Vannett is active after being unavailable in Week 3.

Jets make 6 roster moves before Thursday’s game vs. Broncos

The Jets made a handful of roster moves ahead of Thursday’s game against the Broncos.

The Jets made a handful of roster moves ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Denver Broncos.

New York announced it has activated wide receiver Jeff Smith off of injured reserve, signed defensive back Javelin Guidry from the practice squad and promoted wide receiver Lawrence Cager and defensive back Lamar Jackson to the active roster. The Jets also released quarterback Mike White and cornerback Nate Hairston.

Smith was getting first-team reps in training camp before going down with a shoulder injury. With Smith and Jamison Crowder back, Sam Darnold will have some better options to throw to on Thursday.

As for Guidry, the Jets really liked how he performed in training camp and signed him to their practice squad. He had the second-fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine behind WR Henry Ruggs.

Cager played against the Colts last week and had two catches for 35 yards in his NFL debut. Thursday will be Jackson’s NFL debut if he gets in on the action. With Hairston being released and two cornerbacks being added to the roster, it looks like the Jets will make some changes to their struggling secondary.

The release of White means Joe Flacco will be Darnold’s backup on Thursday. Flacco missed the first three games, as he was coming back from offseason neck surgery.

Mike White will be Jets’ backup QB vs. 49ers

With Joe Flacco not quite ready to return from a neck injury, Mike White will stand in behind Sam Darnold as New York’s No. 2 QB Sunday.

Mike White will be the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback against the 49ers, Adam Gase announced Friday.

Joe Flacco (neck) is not quite ready to return to action, but the Jets have not placed him on injured reserve, which could mean a return is imminent. White will be Sam Darnold’s immediate backup for Sunday’s matchup as fourth-round pick James Morgan is not ready to stand under center with a limited training camp, no minicamp or OTAs.

A former fifth-round pick out of Western Kentucky by the Dallas Cowboys, White spent a significant portion of 2019 on New York’s practice squad. He turned heads with his play during training camp this summer, but it wasn’t enough to make Gang Green’s outright 53-man roster. White passed through waivers and was placed on the team’s practice squad before being promoted to the active roster for Week 1.

He has no NFL experience.

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Jets injury report: Mekhi Becton limited, 49ers place Richard Sherman on IR

Jets OT Mehki Becton (knee) was among the team’s limited participants in Wednesday’s practice, while the 49ers put CB Richard Sherman on IR.

Another day, another injury for Gang Green.

Jets rookie OT Mekhi Becton (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. He injured himself in the Jets’ 27-17 loss to the Bills Sunday but didn’t miss a snap. Adam Gase said that the Jets will be careful with him going forward.

Jamison Crowder (hamstring) popped up on the injury report following Wednesday’s practice. Gase did not mention Crowder before practice, which likely means that the veteran wideout suffered an injury to his hamstring this afternoon. QB Joe Flacco (neck), LB Frankie Luvu (neck) and LB Avery Williamson (hamstring) joined Crowder as limited participants. There’s a chance Williamson makes his 2020 debut this weekend after missing Sunday’s opener.

As for the remainder of New York’s injuries, RB Kalen Ballage (hamstring), TE Daniel Brown (hamstring), OT George Fant (shoulder) and OL Alex Lewis (shoulder) were all full participants Wednesday.

Despite the injury bug hitting the Jets again, they might be catching a few breaks this weekend. The 49ers placed CB Richard Sherman on injured reserve with a leg injury, while his potential replacement, Ahkello Witherspoon, suffered a concussion and is in protocol, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.

In addition, TE George Kittle (knee sprain) won’t practice this week, but San Francisco is ‘hopeful’ he will play Sunday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jets vs. Bills inactives: Denzel Mims, Avery Williamson officially out for Week 1

Denzel Mims and Avery Williamson are among the inactive for the Jets’ season opener against the Bills.

The Jets are officially without two impact starters for their season opener against the Bills.

Denzel Mims and Avery Williamson are both inactive after being ruled out on Friday. After missing a chunk of training camp because of a hamstring injury, Mims hurt his good hamstring on Thursday and missed practice on Friday. According to Adam Gase, Mims could be a candidate for short-term injured reserve, but it remains to be seen if that is the direction New York opts to go.

Williamson was set to return from a torn ACL suffered in the 2019 preseason on Sunday, but he will have to wait at least another week to get back on the field. With Williamson and Patrick Onwuasor (injured reserve) sidelined, Blake Cashman and Neville Hewitt will start at inside linebacker. Harvey Langi, who primarily plays outside linebacker, will serve as a backup.

Joe Flacco (neck) and running back La’Mical Perine (ankle) are also out for the Jets. New York signed Mike White to serve as Sam Darnold’s back up against Buffalo and promoted Josh Adams from the practice squad to take Perine’s place. White has no regular season experience, while Adams rushed eight times for only 12 yards with the Jets in 2019.

Tarell Basham (ankle), Jamison Crowder (hamstring), Alex Lewis (shoulder), Marcus Maye (calf/ankle), Breshad Perriman (knee) and Nathan Shepherd are all active. Lewis and Maye were questionable leading up to Sunday, but will suit up for New York. Wide receiver Josh Malone is also up from the practice squad.

As for the Bills, they are without starting cornerback Josh Norman, who landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Saturday. Defensive tackle Vernon Butler (hamstring) is inactive, as is rookie defensive end A.J. Epenesa.

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