Zach Wilson will remain the Jets’ starting quarterback if and when he clears concussion protocol. That’s what head coach Robert Saleh said Monday.
Wilson left Sunday’s 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins with what was eventually ruled a concussion after initially being reported as dehydration and then a head injury that wasn’t a concussion. Wilson also went for X-rays as a precaution.
Saleh said Wilson “could definitely” go through the week without practicing and still start Sunday against the Washington Commanders. If Wilson can’t go, Trevor Siemian will start instead of Wilson. Siemian replaced Wilson at the end of the second quarter and went on to finish the game in Miami. Siemian was 14 of 26 for 110 yards with two interceptions. Wilson completed just 4 of 11 passes for 26 yards and was sacked four times.
Wilson was making his first start since Week 11. He was benched during the 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was demoted to the No. 3 quarterback for Weeks 12 and 13. After Tim Boyle’s struggles against the Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, the Jets went back to Wilson for Week 14 against the Houston Texans. Wilson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-6 win.
Wilson’s future in New York is unclear. The Jets could trade the former No. 2 pick in the offseason as they look to give it one more true run with Aaron Rodgers in 2024. The question now is when Wilson will come back this season, if he does at all.