Sep 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Sam Darnold is eager to play in a game again, but the New York Jets quarterback is focused on his health and safety before returning to the field.
Darnold has not played since the season opener because of mononucleosis and has been dealing with an enlarged spleen, a common symptom of the illness. The quarterback will have an ultrasound on the spleen Friday and have blood tests, all which could determine whether he’ll play Sunday at Philadelphia.
If the swelling has subsided, Darnold could be cleared to play. The 22-year-old quarterback says he has been practicing as if he will play. But Darnold wants to be safe and make sure “I’m not going to die” if he does take the field.
He adds that he has customized padding that he’ll wear when he can play to protect his spleen area.
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