Jets coach: IR not an option for QB Darnold

New York Jets coach Adam Gase said quarterback Sam Darnold would not be placed on injured reserve after being diagnosed with mononucleosis. Darnold will not play Monday night when the Jets meet the visiting Cleveland Browns, and there was no timetable for his return. However, Gase said IR and its minimum eight-week length were not options for the second-year QB.

"It's not going to be that long," Gase told reporters. Gase all but ruled Darnold out for Week 3 at New England, and the Jets have a bye in Week 4. It appeared Week 5 at Philadelphia would be Darnold's earliest possible return date.

Because mono enlarges the spleen and puts it at a higher risk of rupturing in a contact sport, Gase said the team will not play Darnold until that risk subsides. In other injury news, Gase said he expected running back Le'Veon Bell to practice Saturday after undergoing a shoulder MRI on Thursday. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (groin) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (ankle) were less likely to practice but not ruled out for Monday night.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)