New York Jets Clarify Quarterback Situation

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is one step closer to getting back on the field. Head coach Robert Saleh revealed at a Wednesday press conference that Wilson will serve as the backup quarterback for Week 15's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

Coach Saleh says Zach Wilson will be the No. 2 quarterback this week. pic.twitter.com/3JeB5IqD9a
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 14, 2022

Wilson's elevation over veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will put him first in line to take over in case of injury to starting quarterback Mike White. White missed seven snaps against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 due to some hard shots to the ribs and midsection and is likely to be limited in practice all week.

Wilson was benched earlier this season due to some particularly frustrating play in a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11. The Jets netted a pathetic 44 passing yards in the 10-3 defeat and promptly declared Mike White would start in his place going forward. White has comfortably exceeded Wilson's play in his three starts since, topping Wilson in yards per game (317.3 to 182.7), passer rating (85.8 to 72.6), and net yards per attempt (6.81 to 5.63).

Wilson joined the Jets as their second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With only 3119 net passing yards and 16 interceptions in his 20 career starts, he has yet to show any evidence that he has a future in this league. His draft pedigree will earn him at least another chance at a starting job, but he is dangerously close to becoming one of recent NFL history's biggest draft busts.