The Jets conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday, but Zach Wilson was not one of the participants.
Wilson remains in concussion protocol after exiting Sunday’s 30-0 loss to the Dolphins with 1:03 remaining in the second quarter. After his concussion diagnosis, the quarterback must pass a five-step process before being cleared to practice or participate in a game.
If Wilson does not pass concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game against the Commanders, Trevor Siemian would get his first start of the season.
“Everything’s improved, so I’m not closing the door on that yet,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said about Wilson potentially playing.
Wilson was sacked four times in just two quarters against the Dolphins and was pressured on eight of his dropbacks. He finished 4-of-11 for 26 passing yards and also a lost fumble.
A day after the game, Wilson’s mom, Lisa, said on her Instagram story that the former No. 2 overall pick didn’t tell the coaching staff or medical team how badly he was injured until he began suffering blurred vision and issues with his depth perception.
“He didn’t want to go out, he didn’t want to stop playing,” she said. “So he didn’t tell the sideline, the coaches, the trainers how he was really feeling and tried to just fight through it and be out there for his guys.”
The CBS game broadcast reported the Jets said Wilson left the game due to dehydration. However, he was officially ruled out in the third quarter with what was described as a head injury.
“Sometimes, we don’t always catch it, and that’s why we have the NFL spotters to spot things up top and all that stuff,” Saleh said. “But players do not want to come off the field, too, and you always encourage them to communicate, and I think we ended up having five guys get spotted during the game, and all of them cleared with the exception of Zach.
“Always encourage those guys to take care of above the neck, and credit to Zach, he will fight. That’s one thing I will say about that young man, is he’s always gotten up there no matter how many hits he’s taken, how many times he’s running for his life. He’s always come back to the huddle, and he’s come back and he’s fought, so I have a great appreciation for him, but at the same time, thank goodness that it was spotted up top and we were able to get him the care that he needs.”
Siemian replaced Wilson against the Dolphins, but he also struggled. He completed 14-of-26 passes for 110 yards with two interceptions. The seventh-year veteran was also sacked twice.
After Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury, Siemian was signed to the Jets practice squad on Sept. 26. The Jets signed him to the active roster on Nov. 21, and he became the backup quarterback a week later after the team benched Wilson due to poor play. He continued that role even after Wilson reclaimed his starting quarterback position after Tim Boyle was released.
Siemian has thrown for 7,203 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions in his career, which included stints with the Broncos, Bears, Saints and two with the Jets. He is 13-17 as a starter and hasn’t won a start since 2017.
“Super grateful, at this point in my career especially, any chances I get to play is awesome,” Siemian said. “So if it happens, I’ll be ready, if not, I’m hoping Zach is coming back and he’s feeling alright.”
