The New York Jets will be searching for their first win of the season when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and their starting quarterback will be back under center to help them try to accomplish that.
Sam Darnold was examined by doctors on Tuesday, and he has been cleared to return after battling mononucleosis for several weeks.
#Jets QB Sam Darnold has been cleared to play, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2019
Darnold had been practicing in a limited capacity and said he felt good, but he had not been cleared for contact prior to Tuesday. That was because mono results in the spleen becoming enlarged, and Darnold had to wait for his spleen to return to normal size. Otherwise, there would have been a risk of having it rupture, which can be life-threatening.
The Jets were forced to start third-string quarterback Luke Falk the past two games, as primary backup Trevor Siemian suffered a season-ending leg injury during Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. While Darnold may have to shake some rust off, he will almost certainly be an upgrade over Falk.
Darnold recently shed some light on just how dangerous it would have been for him to play before doctors cleared him, which made it seem like he could still be several weeks away. He should give the Jets a boost on offense, though they are facing a solid Cowboys team that will be hungry to get back in the win column following a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers.
