News
12/6/23
2 min read
Jets Go Back to Zach Wilson as Starting Quarterback
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday that Zach Wilson will be the team's starting quarterback Sunday against the Houston Texans. The Jets expect him to remain the starter for the rest of the season, barring an injury.
Wilson started nine games following Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury in Week 1 and was benched in favor of veteran Tim Boyle two weeks ago. As a result, Wilson was demoted to third-string quarterback. Boyle lost both starts he made and was abruptly cut Tuesday.
Monday, The Athletic reported that the Jets wanted to go back to Wilson but that he has been reluctant to play again because of a perceived injury risk.
Responding to the report, Saleh said: "Let's be clear. If he was reluctant to play, guys, he wouldn't be here. I actually coincidentally just got done speaking with him. He came in about a half-hour ago, and we had a really good conversation. The young man wants the ball. He wants to start. He believes he's the best quarterback in the room and the best quarterback for this team and the guy who gives us the best chance to win. And I'll tell you guys the same thing I told him: I appreciate it. I appreciate the fact that he wants to play."
Wilson will be backed up by Trevor Siemian, while Brett Rypien, signed Tuesday off the Seahawks' practice squad, will be New York's emergency third quarterback.
Former No. 2 overall pick Wilson has thrown for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions this season while completing only 59.2 percent of his passes.
The Jets, losers of five straight, have under a one percent chance of making the postseason. Rodgers had teased a potential return, but that is now considered highly unlikely.
