Saleh Rules Zach Wilson Out for Finale, Leaves Door Open for Return in 2024

Trevor Siemian will start against Patriots in Week 18 as Wilson remains in concussion protocol

New York Jets' quarterback Zach Wilson will not play again this season, but his days wearing Green & White are not necessarily done. 

Prior to Wednesday's practice in Florham Park, Jets' head coach Robert Saleh said that Wilson remains in concussion protocol and will not be available for the January 7 regular season finale at New England. In the protocol for the third week in a row, Wilson has been slow to recover but hasn't suffered any reported setbacks. 

"Everyone responds differently to concussions," said Saleh.

With Wilson ruled out for the Week 18 road game, veteran Trevor Siemian will make a third consecutive start for the Jets. Meanwhile, moving into the offseason, the team will have a decision to make on their former No. 2 overall draft pick. Wilson is still under contract for the 2024 season and could return to a watch-and-learn role behind Aaron Rodgers.

"We'll see. It's all things that we're gonna have to talk about once the season's over," said Saleh.

New York's original plan was to have Wilson spend an entire season as an understudy to Rodgers while fine-tuning his quarterbacking ability. When Rodgers went down four offensive snaps into the season, Wilson was thrusted back into the spotlight and facing pressure to save the day.  

"I think he's made tremendous improvements from a year ago. It's just an unfortunate series of events that occurred," said Saleh.

Through it all, Wilson survived his second benching in as many seasons and even rallied to post a 300-yard passing performance in a win over Houston. It ended in Week 15, however, as Miami's pass rush terrorized the Jets' passer throughout the first half with the hits sending him into concussion protocol right before halftime.

Despite the struggles, Saleh continues to stand by the beleaguered field general.

"I thought he had great OTAs, great training camp. He fought. He's a fighter. He really is. I've said it and I'll say it again. I think he's gonna have a long career in this league," said Saleh on Wednesday. 

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