FLORHAM PARK, NJ — After quarterback Zach Wilson sat out the first three games with a preseason knee injury, he received medical treatment and will start for the New York Jets on Sunday, coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday.
Wilson, who has had limited practice over the past two weeks, is expected to put in a full load of practice reps as he prepares for his return – a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Saleh was optimistic that pending confirmation from Wilson’s Los Angeles-based doctor, that would be the outcome.
Saleh said Wilson will “absolutely” start provided he makes it through the week of practice.
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“He’s feeling very comfortable,” Saleh said. “He’s in a great mental state. Everyone is comfortable with where they are physically.”
The former BYU star, who was drafted second overall in 2021, tore his meniscus and suffered a bone contusion in a non-contact play in the first game of the preseason. On August 16, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Los Angeles performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache was performed.
It was originally seen as a two- to four-week recovery, but the Jets announced on Sept. 7 – four days before kickoff – that Wilson would not return until Week 4 at the earliest.
The Jets went 2-1 during Wilson’s absence, with Joe Flacco leading them to a stunning Week 2 comeback win over the Cleveland Browns. Flacco is fifth in passing yards (901), but he has led the offense to just five touchdowns in three games, including two in the 1:22 Finals of the Cleveland Miracle.
“It’s exciting to get him back out there,” Saleh said. “But at the same time, it’s not just about Zach. It’s about making sure we’re working on all cylinders.”
Wilson returns to a unit that struggled to protect the passer – and allows nine sacks. Left tackle George Fant (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, meaning career backup Conor McDermott will likely get the nod in his place. McDermott, who was re-signed after being cut at the end of preseason, struggled in last week’s 27-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Saleh said the unsettled situation at tackle didn’t cause any hesitation in returning to Wilson.
“His knee is 100 percent,” Saleh said. “As far as the tackles go, we have all the confidence in the world in the guys we have. Max [Mitchell] plays really well and McDermott played a lot of good football.”
The Jets face a Pittsburgh defense known for their exotic pressure packs, but it wasn’t the same without elite pass-rusher TJ Watt (torn pec), put on IR on Sept. 15. The Steelers are 0-6 with no Watts from his 2017 rookie season.