Jets go back to Trevor Siemian with Zach Wilson in protocol،
With Zach Wilson still in concussion protocol, the New York Jets will start Trevor Siemian on Sunday against the Washington Commanders – New York's third quarterback change in the last five weeks.
Siemian could also get the call next week. Due to a quick turnaround, Wilson could also be sidelined Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns.
Coach Robert Saleh wouldn't rule Wilson out for Cleveland, “but it makes it challenging that it's a Thursday game,” he said Friday. “He's got to clear a few hurdles this weekend. It'll be one of those where we'll see.”
Siemian is the fourth different starter for the Jets, which is unusual even for them. The last time they started this many quarterbacks in the same season was 1989, when they finished 4-12 with Ken O'Brien, Pat Ryan, Kyle Mackey and Tony Eason.
For Saleh, this will be his sixth different starter in three years, one of the reasons the Jets are 32nd in scoring and 31st in total yards over that span. Saleh's record is 16-32.
Currently, the Jets have four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, which is unusual. Wilson and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will be inactive for the game, leaving Brett Rypien – signed Dec. 5 – as Siemian's replacement. Rodgers was ruled out for the season, but was activated from injured reserve so he could continue practicing with the team.
“[I’m] “I’m very grateful,” said Siemian, who hasn’t won a start in six years. “At this point in my career especially, every opportunity I get to play is great.”
The Jets (5-9), who missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season, have been plagued by quarterback instability due to two injuries (Rodgers and Wilson), two benches (Wilson and Tim Boyle) and of a liberation (Boyle).
On December 6, Saleh announced that Wilson – inactive in the previous two games – would start the remainder of the season. “God willing,” Saleh said. Wilson lasted less than six quarters, leaving before halftime in last Sunday's 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Wilson, the No. 2 pick in 2021, suffered several crushing hits and suffered from issues with blurred vision and depth perception, his mother, Lisa Wilson, announced the next day on social media. She said he experienced symptoms throughout the match but continued to play. The Jets said he came out when flagged by the NFL's independent certified athletic trainer (observer) in the media box.
Siemian, 31, has 30 career starts (most with the Denver Broncos), but he hasn't won one since 2017, his last season as a full-time starter. He is on a six-fight losing streak; his last start was for the Chicago Bears – a 31-10 loss last season to the Jets.
He was signed to the Jets' practice squad on September 26, two weeks after Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in the first game. At the time, Siemian was considered an emergency option, but he moved up the ranks as the quarterback issues increased.
“It’s not too big for him,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “He prepares very well. I think given the situation and the lack of training, he did a very good job running the huddle.”
Siemian came off the bench twice, without much success. He completed just 19 of 39 passes for 176 yards, with two interceptions and five sacks. In nine drives, he has yet to lead the offense to any point.
Siemian actually started a game for the Jets. That happened in 2019, when he replaced Sam Darnold (mononucleosis) in Week 2. He lasted less than half; he broke his ankle on a hit by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
