The New York Jets will start Trevor Siemian at quarterback Sunday against the Washington Commanders if Zach Wilson does not clear concussion protocol, coach Robert Saleh said Monday. Saleh added Wilson will be the Jets’ starter whenever he does clear protocol.
The announcement comes a day after New York was eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Wilson started that game but was replaced in the second quarter by Siemian after entering the protocol.
Siemian took over under center with the Dolphins leading 24-0 and finished 14-of-26 passing for 110 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Wilson was 4-of-11 passing for 26 yards and no touchdowns before exiting. The Jets allowed five sacks in the first half (six total). Wilson entered Sunday’s game as the reigning AFC Player of the Week following what Saleh had called his best game — a 30-6 win over the Houston Texans.
He’s 4-7 as a starter this year with eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and 2,271 passing yards.
Saleh’s announcement also follows multiple reports that Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be cleared to play this week. New York opened the 21-day practice window for the four-time MVP at the end of November. Rodgers was placed on the injured reserve after tearing his Achilles four plays into the Jets’ season opener.
Rodgers had previously said on “The Pat McAfee Show” he would consider New York’s AFC playoff position when gauging whether or not he’d return this season. The deadline for the Jets to activate him is this week.
Saleh takes responsibility for loss
Saleh spent most of his postgame news conference Sunday blaming the Jets’ issues on the struggles of the offensive line. He wasn’t entirely inaccurate — the offensive line allowed six sacks and Wilson was hit seven times before leaving the game and eventually entering concussion protocol.
But ultimately as the head coach, Saleh should’ve put more of the responsibility himself. He at least did that Monday after some time to think about everything that went wrong in perhaps the most embarrassing loss of his tenure. — Zack Rosenblatt, Jets staff writer
Where this leaves New York’s QB room
The Jets were eliminated from the playoffs and don’t have a lot to play for these last three games other than their pride — and perhaps Saleh’s job security. If Wilson is cleared from concussion protocol, Saleh said he’ll start — though it’s fair to wonder whether Wilson would actually want to play behind that offensive line anymore.
If Wilson can’t start, Siemian would play with Brett Rypien likely as the backup — though if New York for some reason decided to activate Rodgers, perhaps he’d also be available as the emergency third quarterback. — Rosenblatt
Required reading
(Photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images)
