The New York Jets have named Joe Flacco their starter for Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens.
It was an easy choice, given that it’s between him and Mike White.
Flacco gives them a better chance of winning because of his championship experience.
It also adds drama that he will be facing his former team with which he won Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers.
However, the Jets know Flacco isn’t their long-term solution at quarterback.
While he can lead the team to victory, it’s difficult to plan around a 37-year-old play-caller on a one-year contract.
Therefore, the Jets hope that Zach Wilson will become a franchise player.
Unfortunately, he will have to take a back seat after suffering a non-contact knee injury during their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The injury was later revealed to be a bone bruise and meniscus tear that required surgery.
But since the operation happened in late August, the Jets are not rushing his return.
After all, they would rather have him at full strength and hopefully lead the Jets throughout the next decade.
For now, ESPN’s Rich Cimini revealed the timeline for Wilson’s return.
So that's big news: Wilson won't play until Week 4 "at the earliest," per Saleh. Saleh wants his QB to be at his best physically and mentally before playing him. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 7, 2022
Cimini tweeted, “So that’s big news: Wilson won’t play until Week 4 “at the earliest,” per Saleh. Saleh wants his QB to be at his best physically and mentally before playing him.”
In that case, Jets fans will see more of Flacco and possibly White.
Wilson Already Dealing With Knee Issues
The former BYU standout also went down with a knee injury in Week 7 of last season against the New England Patriots.
It was later revealed to be a PCL sprain on his right knee which forced him to miss four games.
With that injury history, the Jets will have to take care of their quarterback until he regains full strength.
It would be a waste of resources if he didn’t live up to expectations due to recurring injuries.
NEXT: The Jets Have Made A Week 1 QB Decision