For the first time since October of 2019, Joe Flacco took the field on game day.
The 35-year-old quarterback, who signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in May, served as Sam Darnold's backup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. He spent the past few months working his way back from neck surgery, which he underwent in April.
A Darnold injury scare late in the first quarter led to Flacco seeing his first action since Week 8 of last season. The veteran QB stayed on the field for five snaps and went a perfect 2-of-2 for 16 yards, the bulk of which came on an 11-yard catch-and-run from receiver Jeff Smith.
Following a quick trip to the locker room, Darnold returned to replace Flacco on third and five in the middle of his second drive early in the second quarter.
Prior to Thursday night, Flacco last saw the field as a member of the Broncos nearly a year ago. The Super Bowl XLVII MVP was traded to the Mile High City in February, 2019 after a successful 11-season tenure with the Ravens.
Flacco logged eight starts for Denver before sustaining the neck injury that prematurely ended his season. He recorded 1,822 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions in those contests. He was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter and released in March.
After joining New York, Flacco was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp in July. He was activated off the list on Sept. 5.
