Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold may have been seen with a boot on his right foot at practice Wednesday, but head coach Todd Bowles said not to rule him out for Sunday's game against the Bills so fast.
It was confirmed earlier on Wednesdsay by SNY's Ralph Vacchiano that Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold suffered a sprained foot, and his status for New York's matchup with the Patriots following their bye week was up in the air.
However, Bowles updated the diagnosis on the 21-year-old to a strained foot instead.
Todd Bowles says Sam Darnold is "day-to-day" with a foot strain pic.twitter.com/hcahUNJHSC
- SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) November 7, 2018
"He strained his foot," Bowles said after practice. "Got some tests run on Monday, it's a foot strain and they got him listed as day-to-day."
So there's a chance he'll be under center on Sunday?
"Too early," Bowles answered. "We'll see how he comes along with the week."
Darnold said after Sunday's loss to the Dolphins that he felt banged up, but affirmed Monday that "I feel fine." Bowles noted he wasn't aware his quarterback was banged up until Monday after claiming he was good on the plane ride back to Florham Park.
"I didn't hear about it until Monday," Bowles said. "He was fine on the plane. I guess he got banged up, he got tests run. I guess it got worse. So, I don't know what play specifically. Told me when he cut, but that could be on any number of plays."
Darnold has started all eight games for the Jets, but has recently seen a dip in his level of play. Over the last three games, he has thrown only two touchdowns with seven interceptions and a 47.5 completion percentage. There was speculation the Jets may have to consider benching Darnold for veteran QB Josh McCown to give him a breather, but Bowles said "not at this time" earlier this week.
Now, this injury may force him to sit the No. 3 overall pick. Bowles, though, is confident McCown can get the job done in Darnold's place -- if that has to happen.
"I'm not concerned," Bowles said when asked about McCown's readiness having only seen a handful of preseason snaps this season. "I mean, he practices everyday, takes reps all the time. He's a true professional and I think he'll be ready."
As Bowles said, it is too early in the week to make a decision on whether or not Darnold will be good to go. But, considering Darnold's status as the team's quarterback of the future, forcing him back out there isn't on Bowles' agenda.
"If he's completely healthy, yes," he said when asked if Darnold will be able to play. "If he's not, he probably won't."