How Jets' Zach Wilson is handling backup duties behind Aaron Rodgers

Quarterback Zach Wilson fully embraced his new role with the New York Jets as the full-time backup behind Aaron Rodgers ahead of Monday's regular-season opener versus the division-rival Buffalo Bills. 

"One is of course watching the starters, making sure I’m 100% ready to go," Wilson recently told Brian Costello of the New York Post. "You never know so you’ve always got to make sure you’re taking advantage of watching, learning from those reps, asking questions, preparing as if I was a starter. Then, the reps I do get on scout team, making sure I take advantage of them to work on things and continually try to get better."

Head coach Robert Saleh benched a struggling Wilson on multiple occasions last season, but the Jets made it known throughout the spring that they remained committed to seeing what the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft will and/or won't become under Rodgers' mentorship. Meanwhile, Rodgers told reporters last week that "the relationship with Zach has been the most important one" for the future Hall of Famer since he officially joined the organization in late April.

There is, of course, no guarantee Rodgers will stay healthy and in the lineup for at least 17 straight games through January. The 39-year-old suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand last October and later injured his ribs in late November. More recently, Rodgers dealt with multiple calf issues ahead of this past preseason.

"I don’t know if it will be strange because in my first two years, there have been times with injuries or not getting out on the field," Wilson said about watching Monday's matchup from the sideline. "It will probably feel not as familiar but I’m used to it a little bit. I’m taking that role of watching, learning, following along as much as I can, and always being ready. You never know when your time is called. I’m making sure to always help Aaron as much as I can, what I see and go with the game."

Rodgers is expected to start for the Jets for a minimum of two seasons, meaning the franchise potentially could shop Wilson before next year's draft. For now, the 24-year-old must get himself ready to serve as an emergency option for an advertised Super Bowl contender in the event that Rodgers goes down with any physical setback beginning with Monday's contest.