NFL news and notes: Sam Darnold cleared to return; Saquon Barkley unlikely to play Thursday

Kirstie Chiappelli

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NFL news and notes: Sam Darnold cleared to return; Saquon Barkley unlikely to play Thursday image

Help appears to be on the way in New York.

We dive into the latest news regarding Sam Darnold and other injury updates in the wake of more injuries in this edition of NFL news and notes.

Three things that matter

Sam Darnold set to return after month out with mononucleosis

The Jets quarterback has been out since Week 2 after he was diagnosed with the illness, but was cleared for non-contact drills last week and has made progress in recent days after being ruled out for Sunday's loss to the Eagles.

Darnold went 28-for-41 passing for 175 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in his lone start during the team's season-opening loss to the Bills.

De'Vante Bausby was temporarily paralyzed Sunday

The Broncos cornerback was taken off the field on a backboard during the team's win over Chargers and claimed he "couldn't move'' for half an hour after the hit.

"I was never unconscious, I just couldn't move, but I was still talking and everything," Bausby told ESPN. "The doc, the neurologist said I was going to be fine and I just trusted that, and after about 30 minutes I was able to wiggle my toes and after a couple hours I was able to regain full mobility so I was straight, I was fine ... They said I was paralyzed for 30 minutes, after 30 minutes I could wiggle my toes and after two hours I could move everything else.''

It could be a while until Bausby is healthy enough to return.

Jaylen Samuels out one month after surgery

The Steelers' second-year running back got hurt Sunday against the Ravens and underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure Monday. He has 18 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, 13 catches for 83 yards and has completed 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards and an interception this season.

"We had him evaluated and saw that that was necessary, so we made the decision to fix it ASAP and it was fixed yesterday," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters.

It's a tough loss for an already-struggling offense that is already without quarterback Mason Rudolph, who remains in the concussion protocol. The team is also dealing with injuries to Steve Nelson (groin), James Washington (shoulder) and Mark Barron (hamstring).

Two things that don't matter

Saquon Barkley unlikely to play Thursday vs. Patriots

The running back suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3 and was given an initial recovery timetable of four to eight week, but reportedly expressed confidence that he could beat it. Still, the Giants have taken a cautious approach with his injury and don't appear willing to rush him back too soon, even if he did return to practice last week.

New York is also likely to be without receiver Sterling Shepard, who entered the concussion protocol for the second time this season, and tight end Evan Engram, who is dealing with a sprained MCL.

Rob Gronkowski joins Fox as NFL analyst

The retired tight end is set to make his first appearance during Thursday's pregame show when the Patriots host the Giants, which should make for some colorful commentary as he discusses his former team.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining Fox Sports," Gronkowski said in a release. "For the past 25 years, they’ve offered viewers top-notch NFL programming from the field to the booth to the studio. Their deep talent roster is unmatched, which was important for me as I embark on this new chapter in my life because I’ll be able to learn from the best in the business."

One video you have to see

Richard Sherman claimed Baker Mayfield's behavior at the coin toss gave the 49ers extra motivation in their win over the Browns Monday night. It sparked controversy — but did Mayfield really snub the 49ers?

Tuesday's tweet of the day

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson launched his own foundation Tuesday that is dedicated toward education, health, housing and other causes to benefit families and youth.

Kirstie Chiappelli