Jets Go Back to Zach! Saleh Names Wilson Starting Quarterback Moving Forward

After releasing Tim Boyle, New York returns to twice-benched franchise QB

Zach Wilson has new life. 

The New York Jets are reinstalling the former No. 2 overall draft pick as their starting quarterback for Week 14 and beyond. 

"As far as quarterback is concerned, Zach will be the starter. Trevor [Siemian] will be the backup and Ryp [Brett Rypien] will be the third, emergency quarterback," said head coach Robert Saleh prior to Wednesday's practice in Florham Park.

Wilson, who logged six touchdown passes and seven interceptions over his first 10 games, was benched three quarters into the team's Week 11 loss to Buffalo, giving way to Tim Boyle. The Jets' offense showed no improvement with Boyle at the controls managing one total touchdown in his two starts. After replacing him with Trevor Siemian in the fourth quarter against Atlanta on December 3, the Jets released Boyle on Tuesday, assuring he would not make a third straight start.

"Zach gives us our best chance to win," said Saleh.

Wilson, who is 12-20 in 32 career appearances since being drafted in 2021, has been the quarterback for all four of the team's victories this year. He has completed 59.2 percent of passes for 1,944 yards while accounting for a 73.8 quarterback rating.

"He's fired up. He's excited about getting this opportunity to finish this season strong," said Saleh.

Accused by critics of not releasing the ball in a timely fashion, Wilson has taken 38 sacks this season. He has thrown for no more than 263 yards in a single game and has totaled two touchdown passes, both screen plays to Breece Hall, over his last six outings.

"The biggest thing for Zach is just let the thing rip," said Saleh. "Trust in your ability, trust in your teammates, trust in your arm talent, trust what you see and just let it fly."

There were media reports that Wilson was "reluctant" to reaccept his starting role. Saleh has strongly refuted those claims. 

"He walked in on Monday. He wanted the ball," said Saleh. 

The Jets (4-8) will host the Houston Texans (7-5) on December 10 at 1:00 pm ET. It will be a battle of No. 2 overall draft picks with rookie C.J. Stroud taking the snaps for upstart Houston.

Siemian was the other reasonable option to start this Sunday. The 31-year-old veteran's game action has been limited to a fourth-quarter relief appearance last week against the Falcons. Owning a 13-17 career record as a starter, Siemian has 7,093 pass yards to his credit to go along with 42 TD passes and 28 interceptions.

"Zach's in a great place, the locker room's in a great place, and he'll be ready to play ball," said Saleh.

Starting Siemian Will Give Jets 'Best Chance to Win' vs. Texans

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