Jets QB Sam Darnold practices in full, but Todd Bowles won't name starter

Darnold expected to make return

12/7/2018, 5:44 PM
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold runs the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. / Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold runs the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. / Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

Though Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold practiced in full on Friday, head coach Todd Bowles did not say whether or not Darnold will start Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

"We'll decide that on Sunday," Bowles said, according to SNY.tv's Ralph Vacchiano. "Both he and Josh (McCown) had good weeks."

Darnold, who has practiced in full the past two days, is expected to make his return from a foot injury that has kept him out the past three games. But Bowles has played his cards close to his hand and won't name a starter until the day of the game.

The 21-year-old Darnold, out since straining his right foot in a Week 9 game against the Miami Dolphins, wasn't on Friday's injury report, while four other Jets -- running back Isaiah Crowell (toe), wide receiver Robby Anderson (ankle), tight end Jordan Leggett (knee) and safety Buster Skrine (shoulder/hip) -- were all listed as questionable.

This season, Darnold has thrown for 1,934 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He last played on Nov. 4, when he threw for 229 yards and four interceptions in a 13-6 loss to Miami.

"I like to take everything one day at a time, especially this injury that I had," he said earlier this week. "I'm really just trying to practice hard every single day. And when Sunday comes and I'm healthy, I'm really looking forward to going out there and playing well."

The veteran McCown has struggled in Darnold's place, completing 60 of 109 passes for 539 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in three games.

New York is currently riding a six-game losing streak and face a Bills team with its own rookie quarterback, Josh Allen, who has thrown for 391 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, and ran for 234 yards with a touchdown over the past two games.

The Jets were blown out 41-10 to the Bills in Week 10 in a matchup that pitted McCown against Matt Barkley.

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