Joe Flacco replaces injured Sam Darnold vs. Broncos

Story update: Sam Darnold returned to the game in the second quarter. See our original post below. 

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold appeared to injure his right throwing shoulder in the first quarter of Thursday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Darnold left the game one play after being sacked by Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson and was replaced by Joe Flacco. New York has not yet announced Darnold’s status for the remainder of the game.

Flacco went 1-of-1 passing for 11 yards on his first drive before the Jets had to punt. New York currently leads Denver 7-3 early in the second quarter.

Flacco was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Broncos last spring and started the first eight games of the 2019 season before suffering a neck injury. Flacco threw six touchdown passes and five interceptions in those contests. Denver cut him earlier this year and he then signed with the Jets.

The Broncos, meanwhile, are starting Brett Rypien after benching Jeff Driskel last week. Drew Lock is still recovering from a shoulder injury.