'Not True!' New York Jets QB Zach Wilson Shoots Down Rumors Ahead of Houston Texans Matchup

New York Jets QB Zach Wilson shot down rumors about his unwillingness to start for his team ahead of this week's game vs. the Houston Texans.
In this story:

Zach Wilson is returning to the starting quarterback role this weekend when his New York Jets host the Houston Texans, but this move hasn't been without controversy.

According to a report from The Athletic this week, Wilson was "reluctant" to accept the starting spot again in New York. According to the quarterback himself, however, that report is "absolutely not true," and he's "excited" for the opportunity to start once again.

“I’ve never once said that to anybody in this locker room, that I wouldn’t want to play,” Wilson said.

East Rutherford, NJ December 3, 2023 -- Zach Wilson of the Jets on the sidelines, late in the second half. The Atlanta Falcons topped the NY Jets 13-8 at MetLife Stadium on December 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ.
East Rutherford, NJ December 3, 2023 -- Zach Wilson of the Jets on the sidelines, late in the second half. The Atlanta Falcons topped the NY Jets 13-8 at MetLife Stadium on December 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ :: © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Jets have been in quarterback limbo since original starter Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. New York is returning to Wilson as its starter after back-to-back poor starts by Tim Boyle who was released on Tuesday.

"Zach gives us the best chance to win," Jets head coach Robert Saleh said.

Trevor Siemian, who also had a poor showing last week against the Atlanta Falcons, is expected to be the second quarterback on the depth chart this week against Houston. Brett Rypien, who has been a part of the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks this season, was signed from Seattle's practice squad on Tuesday and will be the "emergency quarterback."

Saleh also commented on how he believes Wilson's promotion will affect the locker room, stating that he doesn't believe it will be negative, despite the original report from The Athletic.

Texans Coach Ryans 'Learned a Lot' from Jets Coach Saleh

"I'm not concerned one bit about that report within the locker room," Saleh said. "I have my reasons, but Zach is in a great place, the locker room is in a great place, and he will be ready to play ball."

The Texans now know who they will face on the other sideline this Sunday as they attempt to push even further into the AFC playoff discussion. Kickoff between Houston and New York is set for 12 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on CB


Published
John Macon Gillespie
JOHN MACON GILLESPIE

John Macon Gillespie is the publisher of FanNation's The Grove Report, covering Ole Miss athletics. He also serves as a beat writer for FanNation's NFL sites.