New York Jets unlikely to change QBs after Zach Wilson injury news

The New York Jets will be breathing a big sigh of relief as it appears starting quarterback Zach Wilson will not miss an extended amount of time with injury.

Zach Wilson was withdrawn from game one of the pre-season as the New York Jets claimed a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, seeing the starter under center suffer what has been described as a bone bruise and meniscus tear.

This is welcome news, albeit not ideal, as the initial fear was that Wilson may have torn his ACL and would have missed the entire 2022 season – sending the much-maligned Jets into panic mode over the immediate future at the most important position.

As Wilson is likely to only miss a few weeks, with his status ahead of the Jets’ regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens currently up in the air, it is unlikely that the team will make any new additions to the position and stick with what they have at their disposal.

Some talk had been made over the possibility of a new face being brought in should Wilson be sidelined long-term, but with a much shorter recovery time, it will be down to either Joe Flacco or Mike White to carry the load in the interim.

Both Flacco and White featured last season for the 4-13 New York Jets, with White going 1-2 in his three starts and Flacco going 0-1 in his solitary start under center.

White completed 66.7% of his passes for 953 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions but showed impressive elusiveness as he suffered just four sacks in four total appearances. Former Super Bowl MVP Flacco, meanwhile, threw 338 yards and three touchdowns to zero interceptions, suffering two sacks himself.

It will be a tough decision over who will replace Wilson in the short-term, with the veteran Flacco having demonstrated he can still put the ball around the field well and avoid unnecessary turnovers, while the younger White received more opportunities last year and could be given the chance once again.

Flacco is currently listed as the team’s backup behind Wilson on their unofficial depth chart, indicating that the 37-year-old from Voorhees, New Jersey is the prime candidate to step into Wilson’s shoes as he works on his recovery.

Whoever does get the nod will line up behind an offensive line that now features veteran tackle Duane Brown, who signed a two-year deal with the Jets after Mekhi Becton was ruled out for the entire season – suffering further injury nightmares in what would have been his third year with the team.

The veteran tackle should provide some stability for the interim QB, whether Flacco remains the favorite or White can step up and regain confidence from the team’s coaches, and hopefully for Wilson when he returns early in the season.