No starting quarterback named yet for Jets against Titans
Jets quarterbacks Sam Darnold, right, and Josh McCown warm up before a game against the Bears on Oct. 28, 2018, in Chicago. Credit: AP/David Banks
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Sam Darnold’s status for Sunday’s road game against the Titans is uncertain after the Jets quarterback was limited in practice for the second straight day.
Darnold was not alone. Josh McCown also was limited Thursday because of back and hand injuries. At this point, coach Todd Bowles isn’t ready to publicly name either one the starter.
“We’ll see who’s the healthiest,” Bowles said. “We’ll make the decision as the week goes.”
No. 3 quarterback Davis Webb is the healthiest right now, but he’s the in-case-of-emergency option.
Having the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks limited during the first two practices of the week is not ideal for a team hoping to snap a five-game skid, but Bowles didn’t seem overly concerned.
“We’re good,” he said.
Bowles probably already knows the plan for Sunday, barring any setbacks for either quarterback. McCown and Darnold both got team reps for the second straight day.
Darnold missed the previous two games with a strained right foot and hadn’t practiced since Nov. 3. He said after Wednesday’s practice that he was interested in seeing how his foot would respond after the increased workload. Bowles said he wasn’t told of any soreness Thursday, so that was a good sign. “He’s working his way back in,” Bowles said.
McCown, who started the last two games, hurt his back and thumb in Sunday’s loss to the Patriots.
Neither player spoke to the media after Thursday’s practice.
The Jets are going to be cautious with Darnold, who said Wednesday that he’s lobbying to get back on the field. The Jets (3-8) are not fighting for a playoff spot, so their prized rookie’s health and development are the most important things for the remainder of the season.
Bowles wouldn’t rule out starting Darnold even if he’s limited again Friday.
“I’ll see how he feels and how it goes and how he looks in practice,’’ he said, “and I’ll make that determination.”
Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said Darnold has been studying and preparing even when he wasn’t practicing.
“We’re excited to get him back on the practice field,” Bates said. “He looks focused and ready to play.”
Maye likely out
Second-year safety Marcus Maye is expected to miss his second straight game with shoulder and thumb injuries. “Doesn’t look good,” Bowles said of Maye playing.
There is some question about whether Maye will go on injured reserve. Bowles said he had no more clarity on the situation. “Not yet,’ he said. “I hope to have it real soon.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
