With starter Zach Wilson dealing with a concussion, the NY Jets are turning to veteran Trevor Siemian in Week 16
The quarterback rotation is in full swing in New York.
Ahead of the New York Jets’ Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders, head coach Robert Saleh announced that Zach Wilson would not be cleared in time for the game.
QB Zach Wilson (concussion) will miss Sunday's game.
DL John Franklin-Myers will not practice today, but still has a chance to play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/1CcpBBOBuu
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 22, 2023
In Wilson’s place, veteran Trevor Siemian will get the start, making him the fourth quarterback to do so for the Jets this season. With Aaron Rodgers out for the season, the only other available quarterback is Brett Rypien, who will serve as the backup.
#Jets QB Zach Wilson (concussion) is out for Sunday, and coach Robert Saleh said Aaron Rodgers will not be the third QB. Trevor Siemian and Brett Rypien are the team's QBs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2023
Looking slightly ahead, Saleh spoke about Wilson’s availability for next week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, which is on Thursday night.
“It’s still a possibility. It does make it challenging that it is a Thursday game, so he’s gotta clear some hurdles over the weekend. Again, it’s gonna be one of those where we’ll see.”
The fluctuation of starters at the quarterback position has been a microcosm of how the Jets’ season has gone.
Between losing Rodgers to injury, rotating Wilson between a starting and backup role, and having to insert veterans like Siemian and Tim Boyle, the lack of consistency at the quarterback position is a major factor in a lost 2023 campaign.
Rodgers’ return will help stabilize the position in 2024, as the future Hall-of-Famer will give the Jets an offensive floor they have lacked in recent years.
If this season has shown anything, though, legitimate quarterback depth is essential. Whether through free agency or the draft, the Jets need to ensure that they have the means to stay competitive in light of any quarterback injuries.
The Jets are set up for success in 2024, but not addressing the entire quarterback room will only lead to the potential for a repeat of 2023’s rotating door of starters.
