Jets QB Mike White to make first NFL start vs. Bengals

The New York Jets responded to rookie quarterback Zach Wilson going down to a sprained right PCL for two to four weeks by acquiring Joe Flacco from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, and some thought that Flacco could immediately enter the Gang Green lineup for this Sunday's game against the 5-2 Cincinnati Bengals. 

As Rich Cimini of ESPN noted, though, Flacco isn't due to report in-person to the Jets facility until Friday because of a previously known personal reason, and first-year head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday that unproven commodity Mike White will make his first career start for the 1-5 Jets versus Cincinnati. 

"Mike has done a hell of a job, and he has earned his right to play on Sunday and show what he's capable of," Saleh explained. 

White's status beyond Halloween will likely depend on how he performs against the current kings of the AFC North. Meanwhile, veteran Josh Johnson will serve as White's backup if Flacco isn't ready to do so by the weekend. 

White replaced the injured Wilson in last Sunday's 54-13 loss to the New England Patriots and completed 20-of-32 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. Coming off that blowout, Jets owner and chairman Woody Johnson told reporters he has "unwavering, steadfast confidence" in both Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas despite the club's lackluster start to the season.