The New York Jets head into Week 17 with a 6-9 record, significantly below their preseason expectations. They were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15, meaning it is unlikely Aaron Rodgers will attempt a return this season.
That would normally mean Zach Wilson would continue to start, but he is hurt, too, and will not play in Week 17. What happened?
Why Is Zach Wilson Out?
Wilson suffered a concussion in the first half of the Jets’ 30-0 shutout loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. He left the game early and was put in the concussion protocol, where he will stay through Week 17.
Wilson was benched in favor of Tim Boyle in Week 12, also against the Dolphins, where he stayed on the bench. He returned as starter in Week 14, though, when he led the Jets’ to an upset win over the Houston Texans. “We always believed he was the best QB in terms of giving us the chance to win,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
In 2023, Wilson played in 12 games, passing for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Jets are 4-7 when he is their starting quarterback, while they are 2-2 without him.
Wilson is in his third season after being drafted second overall in 2021. He’s played in 34 career games, passing for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He also adds 498 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. The Jets are 12-21 with him at the helm.
When Wilson was renamed starter and Boyle was cut, the Jets brought in a familiar face, Trevor Siemian. Due to Wilson’s injury, Siemian started in Week 16 and was named the starter again in Week 17. He passed for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Jets’ 30-28 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 16.
“Trev did some nice things in the game,” said Saleh. “He’s got so much play time under his belt, so it was great to just have a conversation with him and his recognition that he could’ve even done better. So, it is a short week, but he’ll prepare the way he needs to.”
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Siemian, who was drafted in 2015, has played in 38 career games. He has passed for 7,420 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. Out of those 38 games, he has started 31, combining for a 14-17 record as a starting quarterback.
“We have to look at all the different things Trevor’s comfortable with that we can get going this week,” said Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ offensive coordinator.
The Jets’ season was doomed from the start when Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon on just the fourth snap of the season. Due to injuries and poor play, the Jets have started four total quarterbacks in 2023. The Jets’ offense has averaged just 15.4 points per game, which is the third worst in the NFL.
The Jets face the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 17. The Browns are 10-5 this season and have the top-ranked defense in the NFL. The Jets hold the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s possible Wilson could return for the Jets’ season finale, but his status is up in the air.
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