Before an MRI, sources say Jets quarterback Zach Wilson escaped significant harm.
Before an MRI, sources say Jets quarterback Zach Wilson escaped significant harm.
In Philadelphia Zach Wilson, the quarterback for the New York Jets, will undergo an MRI on his right knee on Saturday, but the team is optimistic that he will not require surgery, sources stated on Friday night following the team's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wilson's ACL is "supposed to be intact," according to coach Robert Saleh, but the Jets declined to offer any other details. Early signs suggest that he reinjured his right PCL, according to sources who spoke to ESPN's Dianna Russini.
Due to a sprained PCL in the same knee last season, Wilson, the No. 2 overall choice in 2021, missed four games.
After the Jets' 24-21 victory, Saleh stated, "I'm going to let the MRI play out and we'll sort it out [Saturday]".
Wilson and the Jets had a terrible start to the preseason. Wilson seemed to suffer a noncontact injury to his knee during their second offensive series as he ducked out of the pocket. At 3:43 in the first quarter, he hobbled to the locker room.
Saleh described his reaction to seeing his quarterback depart the field as "a bunch of swear words."
Wilson was observed walking with a noticeable limp in the locker room following the game. The press was not given access to him.
There are three additional quarterbacks on the Jets' roster: Chris Streveler, Mike White, and primary backup Joe Flacco. Wilson would probably be replaced by the 37-year-old Flacco if he had to miss the start of the regular season.
The Baltimore Ravens, who Flacco led to a Super Bowl victory in 2012, will be the first opponent for the Jets.
You folks are aware of my feelings regarding Joe, Saleh remarked.
"The entire world is aware that everyone does. Joe is a fantastic quarterback. He's having a fantastic camp and still has plenty of gas in the tank."
Flacco had Friday night off. Wilson was not there, so White (10-for-20, 98 yards) and Streveler (6-for-9, 62 yards, two touchdown passes) filled in at quarterback.
Wilson might have been able to avoid getting hurt by sliding or running out of bounds. "Absolutely," Saleh replied. Defensive end Tarron Jackson, who outcompeted rookie right tackle Max Mitchell, forced Wilson out of the pocket.
Wilson attempted to cut inside on rookie linebacker Nakobe Dean as he rounded the corner, but rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis was close behind. Wilson's knee seemed to give up at that point.
Just step outside the lines, Saleh said. "He had a slight case of greed and desired more. It wasn't quite as firm as you wanted it to be because the sod is new."
Wilson hurriedly stood up, but he stumbled and collapsed to the ground in evident discomfort. It was a reenactment of Week 7 of the previous year, when he injured his right PCL while playing against the New England Patriots. He didn't need surgery, either. He used a knee brace the rest of the season after his comeback.
It will be difficult, said wide receiver Corey Davis. "That person is our quarterback number one, but we are aware that accidents do happen. We just need to hope for his well-being."
Saleh reported that Wilson, who threw an interception on his first series, was "in high spirits."
"It's clear that he's frustrated. He is the best option you have at this point."
The Jets are convinced that Wilson will improve following a challenging first season and have high expectations for him in his second season.
The Jets are convinced that Wilson will improve following a challenging first season and have high expectations for him in his second season.
The focus of their offseason was Wilson. They improved the supporting cast in the hope that Wilson's performance would improve.
In a matter of five days, this was the team's second significant injury. Mekhi Becton, a right tackle, broke his kneecap during practice on Monday. He will likely miss the rest of the season. Duane Brown was acquired by the Jets to take his position.
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