Jets' Zach Wilson to Start vs. Lions; Mike White Not Cleared by Doctors
Dec 16, 2022
FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 20: New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) carries the ball during a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 20, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After being elevated to the No. 2 quarterback spot earlier this week, Zach Wilson will start for the New York Jets on Sunday.
Head coach Robert Saleh announced on Friday that Mike White won't be available against the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jets doctors won't clear White to play following the rib injury he suffered in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.
White later told reporters he was diagnosed with a fractured rib.
Saleh announced on Wednesday that Wilson was being moved up the depth chart. He was inactive for the previous three games, with Joe Flacco serving as White's backup during that stretch.
Wilson was benched following a disastrous Week 11 outing against the New England Patriots. The 23-year-old went 9-of-22 for 77 yards in a 10-3 loss.
SNY.tv's Connor Hughes reported after the Patriots game that Wilson's demeanor rubbed some of his teammates the wrong way because he was walking around the locker room "like he isn't the problem."
.@Connor_J_Hughes: "Do you feel like you let the defense down at all?"
Saleh expressed confidence in Wilson's ability to figure things out after naming him the starter for Sunday's game.
"He's the same quarterback that once went 18 for 18 in a bowl game," the Jets coach said.
White threw for 952 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the past three games as the starting quarterback.
The Jets succeeded with Wilson as their starter this season, despite his struggles. They are 5-2 in seven games with him under center. He is only completing 55.6 percent of his attempts with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
Wilson moves back into the starting role as the Jets are fighting for a playoff spot. They are tied in the standings with the Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers at 7-6, but both teams are ahead of them based on tiebreakers.
New York is hosting a Lions team that has won five of their last six games.
Jets' Zach Wilson Promoted to Backup QB Behind Mike White Ahead of Week 15 vs. Lions
Dec 14, 2022
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 20: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets scrambles with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
For the first time since his disastrous Week 11 outing, Zach Wilson will be in uniform for the New York Jets.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced Wilson will be the backup quarterback to Mike White for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.
Following a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 20, Wilson was benched in favor of White. The second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft finished that game 9-of-22 for 77 yards.
Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, there were "raw feelings" among some Jets defensive players following the Patriots game because Wilson didn't seem to hold himself accountable for his role in the loss.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Wilson was asked if he felt like he let the defense down:
.@Connor_J_Hughes: "Do you feel like you let the defense down at all?"
Wilson was having a bad season even before making the comment that may have ruffled some feathers in the locker room. He is completing 55.6 percent of his attempts for 1,279 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven starts.
The Jets went 5-2 in those games because they were averaging 121.6 rushing yards per game, and the defense held opponents to 15.0 points per game during that stretch.
Wilson has been inactive for each of the past three games, with White taking over as the starter and Joe Flacco serving as the backup.
White suffered a rib injury after taking a hard hit from Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano in Sunday's 20-12 loss. He left the game briefly before returning and finished 27-of-44 for 268 yards.
The Jets had White get checked out at a Buffalo hospital after the game, but he was able to fly back to New York on the team plane. He told reporters on Monday his ribs feel fine.
White got off to a strong start with 315 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-22 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 12. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in the past two games, which were both losses.
New York enters Week 15 with a 7-6 record, tied with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers for the final playoff spot in the AFC. The Patriots hold the tiebreaker over both teams for the No. 7 seed.
It's never easy to go on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills, especially in wintry weather conditions. But the New York Jets gave their AFC East rival a...
Robert Saleh Predicts Jets Will Face Bills in Playoffs: 'We'll See These Guys Again'
Dec 11, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Mike White #5 of the New York Jets fist bumps head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets in the second quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
The New York Jets fell to the Buffalo Bills 20-12 on Sunday afternoon in what was their final meeting of the 2022 regular season, but Robert Saleh believes the two AFC East rivals will meet again in the playoffs.
"We'll see these guys again," a confident Saleh told reporters following Sunday's loss.
That is quite the prediction from Saleh, especially considering the Jets dropped to 7-6 on the season with Sunday's loss and have lost three of their last four games.
Additionally, the AFC playoff race is beginning to heat up. The New England Patriots are 6-6 and could boot the Jets out of the No. 7 playoff spot with a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football—Bill Belichick's squad owns the tiebreaker with two wins over the Jets this season.
The Los Angeles Chargers also enter Sunday night's game against the Miami Dolphins with a 6-6 record, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are surprisingly still in the hunt at 5-8.
The Jets have somewhat of a difficult schedule to close out the season with matchups against the Detroit Lions, Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and Dolphins. They beat the Dolphins 40-17 in October, but that was when Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined with a concussion.
Beyond the matchups, a lot has changed for the Jets since they began the season 5-2. The most significant difference is that quarterback Zach Wilson has been benched in favor of Mike White since a Week 11 loss to the Patriots.
In seven games this season, Wilson has completed 55.6 percent of his passes for 1,279 yards and four touchdowns against five interceptions. His struggles were clear throughout the season, but after completing just nine of 22 passes in Week 11 and telling reporters that he felt he didn't let down a defense that gave up only 10 points, Saleh opted to bench him.
Entering Sunday's game against the Bills, White had completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 684 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions in two starts. The Jets went 1-1 in those games.
Beyond the quarterback carousel, the Jets lost star rookie running back Breece Hall to a torn ACL in a Week 7 win over the Denver Broncos. He had rushed for 463 yards and four scores in seven games and looked like a prime candidate to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award before being sidelined.
At this point, it's not looking like the Jets will meet the Bills in the postseason, but anything could happen.
The Jets have not made the playoffs since the 2010 season.
Jets' Mike White Transported to Hospital as Precaution After Injuries vs. Bills
Dec 11, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Mike White #5 of the New York Jets is looked at by the medical staff during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
New York Jets quarterback Mike White left Highmark Stadium in an ambulance after Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills, per Heather Prusak of News 4 Buffalo.
The move is considered a precautionary measure to "make sure he is fine internally," per Mike Giardi of NFL Network.
#Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters that QB Mike White is headed to the hospital as a precaution. They announced two rib injuries and tests are for potential internal injuries.
White took several hard hits during the game, including three sacks and a big shot from Bills linebacker Matt Milano. He was initially ruled as questionable to return with a rib injury before coming back in the game two drives later.
Flacco fumbled on his first play after replacing White in the third quarter before leading a three-and-out on his only full possession. The veteran had also entered the game for two plays in the first half, throwing one incomplete pass before the starter returned.
White was more productive, leading one touchdown drive in the third quarter and a late field-goal drive to keep it a one-possession game. The quarterback finished 27-of-44 for 268 passing yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
The toughness White showed to keep coming back into the game despite the hard hits also seemed to endear himself to fans and the coaching staff.
Head coach Robert Saleh said after the game White would "for sure" be the starter next week if he is healthy.
The 27-year-old had just four NFL appearances before this season, but he has impressed in three starts with 952 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Former starter Zach Wilson, who has been inactive the last three games after being benched, could return to the lineup if White is unable to play.
'Tough as Nails' Mike White Applauded for Playing Through Injuries in Loss to Bills
Dec 11, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Mike White #5 of the New York Jets looks to pass in the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
The New York Jets couldn't pull off a second upset against the Buffalo Bills, but quarterback Mike White still impressed with his toughness.
White tallied 268 passing yards in a 20-12 loss, failing in his final drive attempt that could have tied the game. The 27-year-old was also forced to leave multiple times because of injury after taking hard hits, but he somehow kept coming back into the game.
Mike White has -- again, somehow, some way, inexplicably, in a manner that makes no sense whatsoever, after piling up more injuries than Humpty Dumpty -- been put back together and returned to the game.
It also didn't help that backup Joe Flacco struggled mightily in his limited time on the field. The veteran fumbled on his first play after coming in during the third quarter and then led a three-and-out drive before White returned.
White at least gave his team a better chance to win against an elite opponent.
Zach Wilson might have more pedigree as the 2021 No. 2 overall draft pick, but the fanbase appears to be rallying around White as the Jets try to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
If Mike White is healthy he's the QB for the rest of the season. Also Bam Knight is starting for rest of season, with MC and TY Johnson spilting 3rd down reps
After falling to 7-6, New York will look to turn things around against the Detroit Lions in Week 15.
Garrett Wilson Says Jets Love Zach Wilson and Criticism 'Wasn't Personal'
Dec 11, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 04: Garrett Wilson #17 of the New York Jets celebrates after a long gain during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson said his past criticism of the team's offense prior to the quarterback switch from Zach Wilson to Mike White was just business.
I also asked Garrett Wilson re: his criticism of the #Jets offense:
“No one ever wants to be in that position to do that + maybe lose some friends – I dunno (shrug). But I put winning… above a lot.
"Zach knows it wasn't personal. We love Zach," Garrett Wilson said. "A QB change is just what it is—a QB change. But as an offense, we were playing bad and we had to solve a lot more things than that."
The rookie was one of the more outspoken players after the team's 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11.
"This s--t is sorry," Wilson told reporters. "We're out here looking sorry."
The Jets benched Wilson after that game, with White replacing him as the starting quarterback. The team is 1-1 since, although the offense has looked better with 53 points scored in the two games combined.
White has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his starts, something Wilson did only once in his seven appearances. Garrett Wilson has also thrived after the quarterback change with 13 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games.
Other players also showed their support for White with shirts before the Week 13 game against the Minnesota Vikings:
The New York Jets have an opportunity to shake up the AFC playoff race on Sunday if they earn their second win of the season over the Buffalo Bills. The Jets...
Jets' Max Mitchell Out for Season Because of Blood Clots in Right Leg, Lung
Dec 8, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 28: New York Jets offensive tackle Max Mitchell (61) during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants on August 28, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New York Jets offensive tackle Max Mitchell has blood clots in his right leg and lung, his father told ESPN's Rich Cimini on Thursday.
The rookie was ruled out for the rest of the 2022 season Wednesday after being placed on the non-football injury list, per Cimini.
Mitchell's father, John, revealed the player has a hereditary condition called factor V Leiden, but it should be manageable.
"It should not affect his career long term," John Mitchell said. "Of course, we're taking a big, great deep breath with all of this, but his future is promising."
The 23-year-old started at right tackle in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings but was benched in the second half. His father revealed Thursday that the player was "experiencing side pain and was having trouble breathing."
The blood clots were revealed after he underwent tests Monday.
Mitchell was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Louisiana and quickly became a key player for the Jets, starting each of the first four games of the season. A knee injury cost him nearly two months of action before he returned in Week 12.
George Fant, who replaced Mitchell on Sunday, should remain the team's starter at right tackle.
The Jets have dealt with numerous injuries on the offensive line this year, losing Mekhi Becton (knee) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps) to season-ending setbacks, while Cedric Ogbuehi is on injured reserve because of a groin injury.
NFL Playoff Scenarios 2022-23 Week 14: Standings and Matchups to Watch
Dec 6, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 04: Jalen Hurts #1 and DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The NFC South was under the spotlight during Monday Night Football, which wasn't exactly ideal for NFL fans.
After all, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered play with a 5-6 record and would remain in first place with a win or a loss against the Saints. Tampa Bay ended up winning 17-16 in dramatic fashion with two Tom Brady touchdown passes in the last three minutes, but that mere fact underscores just how poorly the entire division has played this year.
By comparison, every team in the NFC East is above .500 and in position to challenge for the playoffs.
Here is a look at the standings and tiebreaker scenarios following the Buccaneers' win:
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 11-1
2. Minnesota Vikings, 10-2
3. San Francisco 49ers, 8-4
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-6
5. Dallas Cowboys, 9-3
6. New York Giants, 7-4-1
7. Seattle Seahawks, 7-5
8. Washington Commanders, 7-5-1
9. Detroit Lions, 5-7
10. Atlanta Falcons, 5-8 (wins tiebreaker over GB because of strength of victory)
11. Green Bay Packers, 5-8
12. Arizona Cardinals, 4-8 (wins tiebreaker over CAR because of head-to-head victory)
13. Carolina Panthers, 4-8
14. New Orleans Saints, 4-9
15. Los Angeles Rams, 3-9
16. Chicago Bears, 3-10 (eliminated)
AFC
1. Buffalo Bills, 9-3 (wins tiebreaker over KC because of head-to-head victory)
2. Kansas City Chiefs, 9-3
3. Baltimore Ravens, 8-4 (wins tiebreaker over CIN because of head-to-head victory)
4. Tennessee Titans, 7-5
5. Cincinnati Bengals, 8-4 (wins tiebreaker over MIA because of head-to-head victory)
6. Miami Dolphins, 8-4
7. New York Jets, 7-5
8. New England Patriots, 6-6 (wins tiebreaker over LAC because of win percentage against AFC)
9. Los Angeles Chargers, 6-6
10. Las Vegas Raiders, 5-7 (wins tiebreaker over CLE because of win percentage against AFC)
11. Cleveland Browns, 5-7 (wins tiebreaker over PIT because of head-to-head victory)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers, 5-7
13. Indianapolis Colts, 4-8-1
14. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4-8
15. Denver Broncos, 3-9
16. Houston Texans, 1-10-1 (eliminated)
There are a handful of matchups to watch in Week 14, starting with the AFC East showdown between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
While Buffalo is in first place in the division and conference following three straight wins, the Jets got the better of Josh Allen and Co. during their Week 9 matchup in New York and are hanging on to a playoff spot heading into the rematch.
Things may go differently this time, as it is in Buffalo, and the Bills are playing with plenty of momentum. Mike White figures to be the quarterback for the Jets as well instead of the since-benched Zach Wilson.
Elsewhere in the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins will travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in a game with plenty of playoff implications.
Miami is still within striking distance of a Buffalo team it already defeated once and plays again in Week 15, but it is also just two games ahead of the Chargers in the race for a wild-card spot. A loss to the Chargers would mean the Dolphins would hit the road to face the Bills with two consecutive defeats and suddenly in danger of falling out of playoff position.
They finish with division matchups against the New England Patriots and Jets, so any cushion they can build will help before the stretch run.
This is also a showdown between Tua Tagovailoa, who was the No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, and Justin Herbert, who was the No. 6 overall pick of that draft. Herbert is an established star, but Tagovailoa is playing the best football of his career and could make some noise in the playoffs with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
His former teammate at Alabama, Jalen Hurts, will also be in a featured game in Week 14 when the Philadelphia Eagles hit the road to face the New York Giants.
Philadelphia has the inside track on the No. 1 seed and the first-round bye in the NFC, while the Giants are trending in the wrong direction with a 1-3-1 record in the last five games. With the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders right behind them in the standings, they cannot afford to drop many more if they are going to get a wild-card spot.
Unfortunately for Daniel Jones and Co., that is much easier said than done against the dominant Eagles.
