Zach Wilson was drafted at No. 2 overall to be the franchise quarterback of the New York Jets.
In today’s NFL, that meant he was the starter right away and went through the usual growing pains.
Yet Wilson dealt with true growing “pains” as he has missed several weeks with a knee injury.
That allowed backup Mike White to step in and throw for over 400 yards in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Head coach Robert Saleh was thus put in a tough spot.
Would he go with Wilson as soon as the rookie was ready to return?
Or did White deserve another shot?
Wilson is returning to the practice field this week and Saleh has made his decision.
The #Jets are starting QB Mike White, source said, as the legendary backup will take the field against the #Bills. Zach Wilson will use the week to get healthier.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2021
White is getting another start as the Jets try to pull off the upset against the reeling Buffalo Bills.
Mike White will start at QB this week, the Jets announced. pic.twitter.com/QgnIYeuZcE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 10, 2021
Good News For The Rookie
It is important to note that there is nothing wrong with Wilson getting some time to learn from the sidelines.
Rushing him back right after a knee injury would not just hurt his chances of success in the present, but could also hurt his future.
Rookie quarterbacks always used to get time to learn and Saleh seems to be a bit more patient than his counterparts.
He has also seen Wilson struggle to the tune of four touchdowns compared to nine interceptions on the year.
White already has five touchdowns in three games.
The Jets, at the moment, have remote playoff hopes.
But we did just see the Bills fall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If White plays like he did against Cincinnati, the Jets would improve to 3-6 and the Bills would fall to 5-4.
That may also mean Wilson stays on the sidelines for the remainder of the season, but with the expectation that he would start again in 2022.
NEXT: Jets Reportedly Remaining Cautious With Zach Wilson
