Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is hopeful he can return for Gang Green's Week 5 matchup with the Eagles, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
After playing in the opening game of the season, the 22-year-old has been sidelined with mononucleosis.
According to Mortensen, getting Darnold back in a week may be a tall order. Darnold has yet to practice or workout since his diagnosis, but says he will have tests on his spleen on Monday. If those go well, he hopes to be able to get on the practice field and be ready to play next week.
Darnold threw for 175 yards and a touchdown on 28-for-41 passing in the Jets' Week 1 loss to the Bills before the team announced he'd be out with mono prior to Week 2.
Though it's no guarantee Darnold will be back when Gang Green returns from its bye week, his optimism makes it appear that he's on track to return sooner rather than later.