Sam Darnold will not start for the Jets on Sunday against the Bills, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Thursday, but the rookie quarterback has not been ruled out altogether.
Josh McCown will start for the Jets on Sunday. The Jets also have former Giants third-round pick Davis Webb on the practice squad and would promote him to be their game-day backup if Darnold is ruled out entirely.
Darnold, who is dealing with a right foot strain, did not practice for the second straight day and again was seen in a walking boot.
Bowles told reporters after Thursday's practice that Darnold will be the Jets' starting quarterback when he returns to full health, even if McCown has the Jets on a win streak.
"Sam is our quarterback," Bowles said Thursday.
Sunday is the Jets' last game before their bye week, so it would give Darnold additional time to rest. He said on Wednesday the plan is to be cautious, and Bowles said on Wednesday that the bye could factor in the decision for Darnold to play.
"We don't want to rush things," Darnold said Wednesday. "That's one thing we don't want to do. I'm eager to get back out there on the field with my guys, but at the same time I got to take care of my body first and foremost."
Darnold got hurt in Sunday's 13-6 loss at Miami, the Jets' third straight defeat. After a sack late in the game he was limping, but he said he didn't know exactly when the injury occurred. He finished the game, and afterward said he got "a little dinged up." It was Darnold's worst performance of his young NFL career. He threw four interceptions, including a pick-6.
