Report: Jets QB Zach Wilson to start vs. Texans as Joe Flacco, Mike White go on COVID-19 list

New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson is back, but it's not entirely known if that's by design or need. 

Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, Wilson is on track to start for this coming Sunday's game at the Houston Texans after the No. 2 overall pick of this year's draft missed the past four contests with a PCL sprain. Interestingly, the news comes as the Jets placed signal-callers Mike White and Joe Flacco on the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

Both White and Flacco made starts in Wilson's absence, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports White tested positive for COVID-19. Flacco, meanwhile, announced last week he's not vaccinated against the coronavirus and has been deemed a high-risk close contact.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk notes the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player will have to isolate away from the team for at least five days as a close contact. Flacco will miss a minimum of 10 days of work if he ultimately tests positive. 

Vaccinated players who test positive can return to team activities earlier by providing two negative virus tests at least 24 hours apart and remaining asymptomatic. White's status for Sunday's matchup is up in the air. 

Wilson largely struggled before his injury, to the point where some suggested coach Robert Saleh should sit the first-year pro regardless of his health. Per ESPN stats, Wilson is 31st overall with a 27.0 total QBR and has matched four touchdown passes with nine interceptions. 

Journeyman Josh Johnson would be Wilson's backup if the Jets had to play today.