New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson got his right-knee injury when playing as a starter against the Philadelphia Eagles. The injury occurred when Wilson moved backward on the first down situation with 10 feet to run the team’s offense.
The match was the first NFL preseason for the Jets and Wilson had to be carried out before the second quarter began. Wilson played the first quarter with two pass completion, including a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Elijah Moore.
Wilson, a former BYU quarterback, stopped himself from running due to his injury without being involved in physical contact with anyone. He limped off and went down on the ground and moved quickly to the sideline. He spoke to the Jets medical staff before heading to the locker room and was replaced by Mike White, according to Adam Schefter.
Career with Jets
Before suffering the injury, Wilson was reportedly scheduled to play two series, but he was doubtful to play for the next preseason games. Schefter said that Joe Flacco, who did not participate in the match, would play as the first backup. Wilson is said to take an MRI test on Saturday.
“Those close to Zach Wilson are cautiously optimistic that the worst-case scenario was avoided with his knee… but everyone is waiting to pass any judgment until the MRI tomorrow,” said Zack Rosen of the Athletic.
Last season, Wilson missed several games with the same right-knee injury. Before Wilson, Jets’ offensive tackle Mekhi Becton sustained an ACL during training camp and was predicted to be out until the end of the season.
Despite Wilson’s getting injured, the Jets secured the 24-21 win against the Eagles with White recording 98 passing yards and another Jets’ QB Chris Streveler threw 2 passes that led to touchdowns, while wide receivers Calvin Jackson Jr. and Jeremy Ruckert recorded one TD each.
The Jets will have two upcoming preseason matches against the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants before starting the 2022 NFL regular season on September 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Impressive comeback
Jets’ offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said that Wilson improved his performance quickly and appeared comfortable with the team’s offensive strategy.
According to LaFleur, Wilson proved himself as a first quarterback by reacting to the drill situation during the camp. He asserted that it was the performance that outperformed his previous rookie season.
“It really shows in the meeting room, which obviously you guys don’t see every single day,” LaFleur said.
“Not just because he’s answering all the right questions, just his demeanor and his composure when we’re dealing with a crime and a Talking about the specific play. I’m looking at it, but I don’t know until we get out there that first Sunday,” he added.
Wilson, who was selected second overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets, is predicted to be the franchise’s future quarterback, according to Schefter.
Wilson debuted against the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL regular season with the Jets losing the game 14-19. He finished with 258 passing yards, tallying two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion.
In his rookie season, Wilson recorded nine passes that led to touchdowns, 2,334 passing yards with 55.6 percent completion, 185 rushing yards, and rushing himself to touchdown four times.