Jets players defend Zach Wilson amid playing rumors

New York Jets players defended quarterback Zach Wilson after it was reported Monday that Wilson is "reluctant" to play again this season amid concerns related to potential injuries. 

"He’s been very dialed in," Jets linebacker Quincy Williams said about Wilson, as shared by Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "The biggest thing when you get one of those type demotions or job changes, you see those people get down or be late for meetings and stuff like that. He hasn’t been doing that at all." 

Wilson hasn't played since he was benched during the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 19, and the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft served as New York's QB3 across the club's past two games. After both Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian failed to impress during Sunday's 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons that dropped the Jets to 4-8, it was thought head coach Robert Saleh could turn back to Wilson for New York's home contest versus the 7-5 Houston Texans this coming Sunday. 

That, however, was before Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Monday that Wilson "is hesitant to step back into the role" and "apprehensive due to perceived injury risk." Saleh insisted later on Monday that Wilson "wants the ball," and SNY's Connor Hughes noted that evening that "the belief now is that Wilson will start against the Texans on Sunday." 

Per ESPN stats, Wilson ended Week 13 ranked last in the NFL with a 30.3 adjusted QBR on the campaign. According to StatMuse, the Jets have surrendered the third-most sacks (51) in the league this season. 

"The cool thing about Zach is he has been working really hard," tight end Tyler Conklin added about the 24-year-old signal-caller. "No matter what his future holds, I think he understands he wants to become the best quarterback he can become still." 

Week 1 starter Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to play this weekend as he continues his astonishing recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered in Week 1. With the ESPN Football Power Index showing the Jets essentially have zero chance of making the playoffs, Saleh and company should want to see Wilson in action over the next month to determine if the third-year pro deserves a spot on the roster ahead of next year's draft. 

Saleh is expected to announce his starting quarterback for the Houston game on Wednesday.