Story perspectives

Sam Darnold to Miss Week 2 With Glute Injury

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 2:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Quarterback Sam Darnold will miss Week 2 after doctors diagnosed a glute injury.
Scans ruled out a hip fracture and classified the problem as a non-major muscle strain.
Insiders Rapoport and Florio say Darnold could miss a couple games, up to six weeks.
Coach Mike Macdonald expects backup Drew Lock to start the Sept 20 game at Arizona, with Darnold possibly back by Week 3.

History

Historical Context

In 2010, Mark Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury that limited the Jets’ passing production (he finished the season with 3,291 yards). The Jets have repeatedly reshuffled their quarterback depth, as seen when rookie Sam Darnold’s 2024 glute strain placed backup Drew Lock under new head coach Mike Macdonald. These recurring injuries have pushed the franchise to prioritize depth and faster rehab league-wide.

1 of 2

Story summary

Quarterback Sam Darnold will miss Week 2 after doctors diagnosed a glute injury.
Scans ruled out a hip fracture and classified the problem as a non-major muscle strain.
Insiders Rapoport and Florio say Darnold could miss a couple games, up to six weeks.
Coach Mike Macdonald expects backup Drew Lock to start the Sept 20 game at Arizona, with Darnold possibly back by Week 3.

1 / 2