Cleveland's chances of bouncing back in Week 2 may have just gotten a little bit easier.
In an unexpected move, Jets coach Adam Gase on Thursday announced quarterback Sam Darnold has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Browns after being diagnosed with mono.
A timeline for Darnold's return is uncertain, but it's clearly cause for concern considering symptoms of the disease — like fatigue, fever and swollen glands — can last months. Gase indicated Darnold could miss "multiple weeks" with the illness, though an Oct. 6 return to face the Eagles seems possible considering the Jets have a bye in Week 4.
Sam Darnold has mono and will miss Monday's game against the Browns, per Adam Gase. pic.twitter.com/b3rUSCVFNM
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 12, 2019
It was later reported that Trevor Siemian is expected to start Monday against the Browns, while Luke Falk will serve as backup.
Updated: Luke Falk will be the Jets’ backup QB. https://t.co/aMm2bj6YFm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2019
Darnold had been absent from Wednesday's practice with an undisclosed illness, with Gase telling reporters he believed it was a case of strep throat and instructed his quarterback to stay home. Gase also noted that Darnold lost five pounds, which was concerning.
To assure other players don't get sick, Darnold was essentially placed in quarantine as the team opted to send meals to his apartment.
Darnold struggled through the Jets' Week 1 loss to the Bills as he completed 28 of 41 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Siemian, 27, joined the Jets in March and hasn't seen action since 2017 when he was a member of the Broncos. He also had a stint with the Vikings after being traded from Denver, but never played as he backed up Kirk Cousins in 2018.
Adding insult to injury, running back Le'Veon Bell will miss practice Thursday and is reportedly set to have an MRI on his shoulder as his status remains up in the air.
The Jets host the Browns at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday.