Sam Darnold out, Le'Veon Bell questionable for Jets on MNF

The New York Jets are the next team to face the over-hyped Cleveland Browns, but their home contest might not go as well as hoped after the loss of Sam Darnold and, potentially, Le’Veon Bell.

Monday Night Football odds

On Thursday head coach Adam Gase announced Darnold would be sidelined indefinitely while he recovers from mononucleosis. Backup quarterback Trevor Siemian will get the start on Monday Night Football as a result.

The 27-year-old Siemian last played for Denver, where he earned the starting role in 2016 and led the Broncos to a 9-7 record behind 59.5% passing and an 18-to-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. In 2017, Siemian struggled once again with accuracy and lost his starting spot to Brock Osweiler in Week 9 following Denver’s third straight loss.

He doesn’t offer a ton of security as a backup for New York, but the more pressing issue is Bell’s possible absence. The new Jets running back sat out Thursday’s practice to undergo an MRI because of soreness in his shoulder. It’s not certain if he’ll return in time for Monday’s game.

Bell accounted for the Jets’ only score on offense during their 17-16 loss to the Bills on Sunday. New York’s other touchdown came on an interception return by C.J. Mosley in the first quarter. The linebacker later left in the third quarter with a groin injury and may sit out Monday, as well.

Darnold connected with Bell on a nine-yard pass to the end zone in the second half against the Bills, but the running back couldn’t get much going on the ground (17 carries for 60 yards). If Bell is out Monday, Ty Montgomery will get the start. He carried the ball twice Sunday and tallied just four yards.

It’s not looking good for the Jets ahead of a matchup with the Browns, who are eager to win after a 30-point loss to the Titans in Cleveland. Cleveland appeared far from a Super Bowl contender in Week 1 and revealed an abundance of issues on the field.

Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions (all in the fourth quarter), his offensive line allowed him to get sacked five times, left tackle Greg Robinson got ejected for kicking a Titans player and Odell Beckham Jr. created a distraction all over a $350,000 watch he wore in the game.

For whatever reason Beckham is planning to wear his Richard Mille timepiece again Monday, even though it violates the league’s policy on hard jewelry. That disruption aside, the Browns have the talent to bounce back in Week 2, especially against a depleted Jets roster.

The game likely won’t be pretty for either side, but the Browns have the advantage. You can expect them to get their first win of the season, while the Jets take another loss just before they head to the hostile environment of New England.

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