New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh chose some interesting words when defending quarterback Zach Wilson on Monday.
“The frustrating thing is that this kid is going to be a good quarterback, but the NFL and this new instant-coffee world that we’re in just doesn’t want to give people time,” Saleh said about Wilson while speaking with reporters, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. “So, we look at him and he’s just nitpicked with a fine-tooth comb.”
Wilson spent three games as an inactive third-string spectator during a “reset” before he was promoted to QB2 last week and then named the starter for Sunday’s contest against the Detroit Lions after Mike White suffered fractures to his ribs in a loss at the Bills on Dec. 11.
Against Detroit, Wilson completed 18-of-35 passes for 317 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a 20-17 defeat that dropped the Jets to 7-7.
Saleh added that White has been cleared for practice but not for contact. It’s unknown who will start at quarterback when New York hosts the 6-8 Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night.
“There’s more scans to see how much he’s healed,” Saleh said about White. “There was talk that they felt like a week would show more healing, some callous, if you will, to get on the field. That’s something he would have to get from another doctor and still be able to talk to our doctors about it, too. So there are a lot of hurdles he would have to go through [to start].”
It’s assumed Wilson will remain atop the depth chart through Thursday evening if White is sidelined again.
White went 1-2 starting in place of Wilson but performed admirably and became a fan favorite in the process. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show Wilson is 26th among qualified passers with a 42.3 total QBR and dead last with a 54.9% completion percentage on the campaign. In eight games, the 23-year-old has six touchdown passes and six interceptions.
The Jets are ninth in the conference standings and trail the 7-7 New England Patriots, 8-6 Miami Dolphins and 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers in the battle over a pair of playoff berths.
