Jets Waive QB Luke Falk After Sam Darnold is Cleared to Return
By Jerry Trotta
Despite his truly lackluster performances over the last three weeks, we did NOT see this transaction coming.
The New York Jets have reportedly waived third-string quarterback Luke Falk just a few days after starter Sam Darnold was cleared to return to game action this weekend following his multi-week bout with mononucleosis.
ESPN's Rich Cimini notes that the Jets have activated linebacker Brandon Copeland, who was suspended four games to start the year for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, to take Falk's place on the roster.
This is a surprise: The Jets have waived QB Luke Falk, who started the last two games. From starter to waiver wire in a week. They activated LB Brandon Copeland, eligible after a suspension. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 12, 2019
To say that the Jets offense was rancid with Falk under center wouldn't even begin to describe the 24-year-old's woeful impact. In three games (two starts), the Washington State product connected on 47 of his 73 pass attempts for 416 yards, good for an abysmal 8.8 yard average distance per completion, with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.
In spite of all that, most pundits and fans presumed that New York would keep Falk around given their lack of QB depth. His release now means that David Fales stands alone as Darnold's only backup.
It's not often that a player goes from starting quarterback to the waiver wire, but that's what happened to Luke Falk https://t.co/gxVfFtrlED
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 12, 2019
Whatever the case, it appears that the Jets wanted to do whatever they could to rid themselves of Falk. After all, the team was often mentioned in the same breath as the Dolphins, Redskins, and Bengals during Falk's brief reign, a narrative they'll look to overcome following the return of Darnold.