Jets' Darnold: Lawrence talk out of my control

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — In 2017, Sam Darnold was the college player who intrigued the New York Jets’ quarterback-starved fan base. Now Darnold is experiencing that phenomenon from the other side.

As the only winless team, the Jets could be in position to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The speculation among fans and media already is rampant, putting Darnold in an awkward position.

“Yeah, you know, I mean, I have social media,” Darnold said Thursday, addressing the Lawrence hype for the first time. “I’ve seen some of the things, but … Yeah, we’ve got a game to win this week and that’s all we’re worried about.”

Darnold is battling to get back in the lineup after missing two games with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. He appears to be trending toward a return to the lineup Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (4-2), as both he and coach Adam Gase seemed encouraged by his progress.