The New York Jets’ quarterback carousel took another turn Wednesday as head coach Robert Saleh announced Zach Wilson will start this weekend’s game against the visiting Houston Texans.
“Zach gives us our best chance to win,” Saleh said. “(We’re) giving him another opportunity to go prove that.”
Saleh said Wilson “was fired up” upon hearing the news. The coach also said the 24-year-old quarterback came into his office on Monday and told him he wanted the ball.
Wilson started nine straight games after Aaron Rodgers tore an Achilles tendon on the Jets’ first series of the season on Sept. 11. Wilson, however, was benched in favor of Tim Boyle for New York’s 34-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 24.
Boyle, in turn, was benched in favor of Trevor Siemian during last Sunday’s 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Boyle then was released Tuesday by the Jets (4-8), who signed fellow quarterback Brett Rypien off the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad.
Wilson has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,944 yards, six TDs and seven interceptions this season. He owns an 11-20 record since being selected by the Jets with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rypien, 27, appeared in two games this season with the Los Angeles Rams, starting one. On the season, he’s 18-for-38 for 172 yards with an interception.
Following his sole start on Nov. 5, a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Rypien was released by the Rams and later picked up by the Seahawks.
Also Wednesday, the Jets placed tight end C.J. Uzomah on injured reserve with a knee injury and activated TE Kenny Yeboah in a corresponding move.
Uzomah had eight catches for 58 yards and a TD in 12 games (eight starts) this season. He’ll have to miss at least four games.
Yeboah, 25, has not appeared in a game this season. He has two catches for 36 yards in 19 games (no starts) with the Jets in 2021 and 2022 while playing mostly on special teams. He slots in as TE3.
–Field Level Media
