LOCALS IN THE NFL
Report: Zach Wilson Not Starting For Jets Sunday
Nov 23, 2022, 9:34 AM | Updated: 9:57 am
Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets throws a pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – New York Jets players were informed that quarterback Zach Wilson is not starting on Sunday.
The report, from Adam Shefter, said that Jets players were informed of the news during a team meeting.
Breaking: During a team meeting minutes ago, Jets players were informed that Zach Wilson is not starting Sunday's game vs. the Chicago Bears, sources tell ESPN.
Wilson — who had a 5-2 record as a starting QB this season, with both losses coming vs. the Pats — is being benched. pic.twitter.com/fdl3mBmIHq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 23, 2022
The team’s game this coming Sunday is against the Chicago Bears in New Jersey at 11:00 a.m.
Jets Coach Non-Commital Early In The Week
On Monday, November 21, the second-year head coach discussed New York’s QB1 job a day after the Jets suffered a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots, their second loss in three weeks to the AFC East rival.
Wilson struggled in the contest by passing for only 77 yards on nine completions out of 22 attempts. The performance earned a 24.5 QBR. Wilson also ran the ball three times for 26 yards.
Robert Saleh says he will evaluate game tape from yesterday and will "keep everything on the table" in regards to who will be the quarterback on Sunday
Saleh said he will not commit to Zach Wilson starting vs. the Bears right now. pic.twitter.com/JvZ28uHOX8
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 21, 2022
A day after the game, Wilson’s coach failed to back the former BYU star as the team’s definitive starter moving forward.
“We’re keeping everything on the table over the next couple of days,” Saleh said regarding Wilson’s status as the Jets’ starting quarterback for Week 12. “Not right now, not until I’m done evaluating everything.”
In addition to no vote of confidence from his head coach, Wilson did himself zero favors with his postgame remarks on Sunday afternoon.
When asked if he felt that he was letting down New York’s impressive defense, Wilson responded, “No.”
.@Connor_J_Hughes: "Do you feel like you let the defense down at all?"
Zach Wilson: "No." pic.twitter.com/tiJiTSrFPE
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 20, 2022
Saleh and Wilson’s teammates would surely like to hear a better response from their quarterback and team captain.
“Is it a mistake? Sure,” Saleh said of Wilson’s comment. “Is it something he’ll be better from? Absolutely.”
This season, Wilson ranks among the bottom tier of NFL quarterbacks in multiple statistical categories, with the exception of interceptions thrown with five pick (11th in the NFL).
Wilson has played in seven of New York’s 10 games this season after he missed the opening few weeks due to a preseason injury. Since returning on October 2, Wilson has thrown for 1,279 yards (31st in the league) and four touchdowns (tied for 32nd) with a completion rate of 55.6 percent (34th). His QBR for the season is 45.2, which ranks 23rd. He’s also run the ball 24 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.
With the loss, the Jets fell to a 6-4 record, good for third place in the AFC East.
New York’s next game is at home against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, November 27 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX.
About Former BYU Star Zach Wilson
Robert Saleh said Zach Wilson reacted with some frustration when he was told the news. "Why me? I want to play" #jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 23, 2022
The former BYU star underwent surgery in August after suffering a knee injury in New York’s preseason opener. He also suffered a knee injury last season as a rookie.
Without Wilson, the Jets opened the 2022 season with a 1-2 record. Since returning, the Jets have posted a 5-2 record.
During Wilson’s rookie campaign last season, the former BYU standout missed four games because of a knee injury and threw for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 55.6 completion rate.
Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.
Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
