New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets HC Robert Saleh unsure who QB will be in Week 16

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/19/22

The New York Jets have a quick turnaround this week with just three days to prepare for their Thursday night matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. But even with the shortened timeline, head coach Robert Saleh isn't ready to say who his starting quarterback will be in Week 16.

The big question the Jets have been facing has been whether quarterback Mike White will be healthy enough to return to the field. White has been sidelined with a ribs injury and the timeline for his return appears to still be a bit up in the air.

Jets coach Robert Saleh says he is not prepared to say if Mike White will start Thursday. Says White is still being evaluated
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) December 19, 2022

"We'll see, I'm not prepared to answer that one," Saleh said Monday morning when asked if White will be cleared in time to face Jacksonville.

Robert Saleh says he wants to get the clearance on Mike White first before making any commitments to him starting on Thursday: pic.twitter.com/UnAYhexgpS
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 19, 2022

Zach Wilson started for New York in Week 15, making his first appearance since being benched after Week 11. The young play-caller completed 18 of 35 passes for 317 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the surging Detroit Lions. While Saleh has complimented Wilson in the past and said he believes the BYU product will develop into a solid NFL quarterback, he doesn't appear ready to give Wilson the keys to the kingdom either.

Thursday's game is a pivotal one for New York, who is clinging to playoff hopes with a 7-7 record after losing three in a row. Jacksonville enters Thursday's game brimming with confidence after winning two straight, including last weekend's 40-34 win over the Dallas Cowboys. If New York loses on Thursday -- regardless of who starts under center -- its playoff hopes are going to fade away very quickly.

Kickoff for Thursday's game is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.

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