Jets QB Darnold ruled out vs. Patriots

New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold was ruled out of Sunday's game against the New England Patriots due to a foot injury.

Darnold had not practiced during the week and was not expected to play Sunday. He also missed last weekend's 41-10 loss to Buffalo due to the injury suffered against Miami on Nov. 4.

Veteran Josh McCown is expected to get his second straight start for the Jets, who have dropped four in a row entering Sunday's matchup against the AFC East-leading Patriots.

The 39-year-old McCown saw his first action in last week's loss, finishing 17 of 34 for 135 yards and a pair of interceptions.

New England quarterback Tom Brady did not practice Friday but is expected to play. If so, the matchup between the 41-year-old Brady and McCown will feature the second-oldest QB duel in NFL history. Vinny Testaverde, 44, and Brett Favre, 38, faced off in the oldest matchup in 2007.

McCown was in the midst of a career-best season in 2017 before suffering a fractured hand in December. He threw for 2,926 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

In a 24-17 loss to New England last October, McCown threw for a season-high 354 yards with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.

The No. 3 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft out of USC, Darnold has struggled in his rookie season, completing only 55 percent of his passes for 214.9 yards per game with 14 interceptions to 11 touchdowns. His 68.3 passer rating is the worst among starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

Darnold had his worst game in the 13-6 loss at Miami, throwing a season-worst four interceptions while finishing 21 of 39 for 229 yards in the 13-6 loss.