Report: Darnold could miss 3-7 weeks with mono

Sam Darnold's absence could be longer than expected.

The New York Jets quarterback was first reported to be out for multiple weeks as he battles mononucleosis. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Darnold could miss anywhere from three-to-seven weeks with the illness.

"I know some people have talked about him potentially returning on Week 5 after the bye, based on the people I've spoken with, that is overly optimistic," Rapoport said. "The estimate I was given was three-to-seven weeks for Sam Darnold. He's quarantined. He's away from his team."

Rapoport adds the ailment may have affected Darnold in Week 1, as he went 28 of 41 for one touchdown in a 17-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

However, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports Darnold is "already feeling better" and a Week 5 or Week 6 return has not been ruled out.

The 0-1 Jets will turn to Trevor Siemian at quarterback for their Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night.

Copyright (C) 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.