Zach Wilson is back, but only under brutal circumstances.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced on Friday that Zach Wilson will start at quarterback this Sunday against the Lions because Mike White has not been cleared for any type of contact. Last Sunday, White took multiple brutal hits against the Buffalo Bills that made him leave the game and return several times.
White went to a local hospital for a CT scan and “checked out fine,” according to head coach Robert Saleh said. More precise testing this week showed further injury, leading to White not being cleared for contact.
Wilson is 5-2 as a starter but was benched three weeks ago after he tossed for 77 yards against the Patriots and responded in the wrong way after the game that appeared to upset many in the locker room.
Wilson may start the following game against the Jaguars on Thursday because it is a short week. He took the majority of first-team reps in practice, Saleh revealed.
“This is a great opportunity for Zach,” Saleh said. “We feel very comfortable in Zach’s preparation.”
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More than Sunday’s game being a big opportunity for Wilson is a critical opportunity for the Jets to remain in the AFC playoff picture. New York needs a win to keep pace with the rival Dolphins and Patriots who currently own the conference’s final two wild cards.