Sam Darnold said he's already feeling better after he was ruled out indefinitely due to being diagnosed with mononucleosis.
The Jets quarterback told the team he's "already feeling better" and is eyeing a Week 5 return against the Eagles, ESPN reported, citing unidentified league sources.
The return date is a lofty goal, with Darnold expected to be out as long as seven weeks with the illness. However, Jets coach Adam Gase said the team was lucky they had a Week 4 bye, which will give the team more time to hopefully prepare for Darnold's return.
Darnold being held out for so long is precautionary, since his spleen is enlarged from the illness. A hard hit in that area could cause significant damage should Darnold return too soon.
He is expected to undergo more tests this week to determine if his spleen is returning to normal size, which will give a more realistic timeline of his return.
According to ESPN's sources, the team is optimistic that Darnold could be back at least by Week 6, when the Jets take on the Cowboys. He reported is already looking at film of the Cowboys and Eagles and studying their defenses.
For now, Darnold reportedly has been quarantined to his apartment as to not infect his teammates.