Robert Saleh Provides Two Jets' Quarterback Updates on Wednesday

Starter remains in concussion protocol while Aaron Rodgers will move off IR to active roster

Aaron Rodgers won't be playing quarterback for the New York Jets in Week 16, and there's a chance Zach Wilson won't either.

After leaving the Week 15 road loss to Miami late in the first half, Wilson remained in the concussion protocol on Wednesday. 

"Zach is still in the concussion protocol," said Jets' head coach Robet Saleh.

On Monday, Saleh named former No. 2 overall draft pick as the starting quarterback for the December 24 home finale, provided he receives clearance in time.

"We'll see. Everything's improved so I'm not closing the door on that yet," said Saleh prior to Wednesday's practice in Florham Park.

Wilson took four sacks prior to exiting and was seemingly under pressure on every dropback in the 30-0 setback on December 17. New York finished with a season-low 103 net yards on offense.

Should Wilson be unavailable to face the Washington Commanders in Week 16, Saleh has said Trevor Siemian is next in line to take the snaps on Sunday. Siemian came on in relief of Wilson against Miami, going 14-of-26 passing for 110 yards and two interceptions.

When it comes to Aaron Rodgers and his recovery from Achilles surgery, the Jets and the 40-year-old quarterback will take a symbolic step forward this week. With Rodgers's 21-day practice window coming to a close, Saleh said the team will activate the four-time NFL MVP and place him onto the 53-man roster. This move allows Rodgers to continue his rehab regimen while practicing with his teammates.

"We're still gonna keep him on the active [roster]. We've got the roster flexibility with all the different things that happened over the last couple weeks and it's all part of his rehab. Just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody. It's a plus for him. It's a plus for his teammates," said Saleh.

Even with Rodgers on the active 53-man roster for the remainder of the season, don't expect to see him in game action until 2024.

"No, he's not playing," said Saleh emphatically. 

Jets' Starting Quarterback Starts Week in Concussion Protocol

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