Report: No timeline for Zach Wilson to return to Jets lineup

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh isn't just benching quarterback Zach Wilson. Saleh is seemingly grounding the 23-year-old. 

After Saleh confirmed that backup Mike White will start with veteran Joe Flacco serving as QB2 when the 6-4 Jets host the 3-8 Chicago Bears this Sunday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that a source says "there’s no timeline" regarding Saleh's depth-chart reshuffling. 

"Ultimately, it comes down to when Wilson shows that he’s ready to resume his role in the lineup," Florio wrote. 

Wilson missed the first three games of the season due to a knee injury and left much to be desired with his on-the-field performances when healthy. However, his greatest sin, to date, may have been that he refused to admit he and the New York offense "let the defense down" shortly after he completed a pitiful 9-of-22 passes for 77 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in this past Sunday's 10-3 loss at the New England Patriots.

The No. 2 pick from the 2021 NFL draft will now be tasked with running the scout team until further notice. 

"The big thing I want to make sure I address on this one, just want to make sure you guys all listen to this very carefully, please. Zach's career here is not over," Saleh said on Wednesday, according to Nick Shook of the league's website. "I know that's gonna be the narrative, I know that's what everyone wants to shout out and that's not even close to the case. The intent, the full intent, is to make sure Zach gets back onto the football field at some point this year. When that is, I'll make that decision, I'm going to take it day to day. The biggest thing with Zach, it's the same things we've talked about, is the young man needs a reset."

Florio wrote that "reset" involves Wilson "focusing simply on playing the position" as an inactive member of the roster. 

"Once he shows that he has done it, then he’ll be back under center," Florio added about Wilson without saying exactly how the second-year pro can "show that" to Saleh and company. 

Per ESPN stats, Wilson hits the bench 33rd among qualified signal-callers with a 72.6 passer rating, 23rd with a 45.1 total QBR, and last among full-time non-injured quarterbacks with a 55.6% completion percentage on the campaign. He's thrown four touchdown passes and five interceptions in seven games. 

White presumably has a chance to keep Wilson a spectator by playing well and notching wins through the remainder of New York's hunt for a playoff berth.