New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has named Zach Wilson the starting quarterback for Gang Green’s Week 14 contest against the Houston Texans.
The announcement came Wednesday afternoon ahead of the team’s first practice of the week and comes following previous reports stating the former second-overall pick was “reluctant” to start once again for the team that benched him two weeks ago.
“Zach gives us the best chance to win,” Saleh explained. “He’s good, he’s fired up. He wants the ball and is excited about getting this opportunity.”
Saleh did not immediately address The Athletic’s report regarding Wilson but shot down any thought that the report could cause a rift in the locker room for the organization. New York’s head coach maintained the belief that both the quarterback and locker room “are in a great place.”
The Jets are expected to start Wilson for the remainder of the 2023 season barring any additional injuries. Trevor Siemian will be Wilson’s immediate backup while recently signed Brett Rypien will be the emergency quarterback.
As for why the team decided to go back to Wilson after benching him just two weeks ago, Saleh explained that it was more to give the offense a spark. At the time, the Jets were going through a four-game stretch in which they scored just two offensive touchdowns.
It hasn’t been much better with Siemian or the recently released Tim Boyle either. New York has scored an offensive touchdown in just three of the last five games. It’s Wilson’s arm talent and overall skill set that is the reason for Saleh to go back to him on Sunday.
“When he (Wilson) plays with that ‘F-It’ mentality, he looks pretty good. I’ve always believed he was the best QB to give us a chance to win…Tim and Trevor tried to spark the offense but in my opinion, Zach gives us our best chance.”
