FLORHAM PARK, NJ — After sitting out the first three games with a preseason knee injury, quarterback Zach Wilson has been medically cleared and will start on Sunday for the New York Jets, the club announced. coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday.
Wilson, who has been training on a limited basis for the past two weeks, is expected to take on a full load of practice reps as he prepares for his comeback – a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Saleh was optimistic that would be the outcome, pending confirmation from Wilson’s Los Angeles-based doctor.
Saleh said Wilson would start “absolutely”, assuming he would get through the week in practice.
“He’s very comfortable,” Saleh said. “He’s in great mental condition. Everyone is comfortable with where he is physically.”
The former BYU star, drafted second overall in 2021, tore his meniscus and suffered a bone bruise during a non-contact play in the preseason opener. On August 16, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Initially, he was considered a two- to four-week recuperation, but the Jets announced Sept. 7 — four days before the opener — that Wilson would return Week 4 at the earliest.
The Jets went 1-2 during Wilson’s absence, with Joe Flacco leading them to a stunning win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. Flacco is fifth in passing yards (901), but he led the offense to just five touchdowns in three games, including two in Cleveland’s 1:22 Miracle Final.
“It’s exciting to have him back there,” Saleh said. “But at the same time, it’s not just about Zach. It’s about making sure we perform on all cylinders.”
Wilson returns to a unit that struggled to protect the passer – allowing nine sacks. Left tackle George Fant (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, meaning career backup Conor McDermott will likely get the nod in his place. McDermott, re-signed after being cut at the end of the preseason, struggled mightily in last week’s 27-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Saleh said the volatile tackling situation caused no hesitation in returning to Wilson.
“His knee is 100 per cent,” Saleh said. “When it comes to tackling, we have all the confidence in the world in the guys we have. Max [Mitchell] is playing very well and McDermott has played a lot of good football.”
The Jets face a Pittsburgh defense known for its exotic pressures, but it hasn’t been the same without elite pass thrower TJ Watt (torn pectoral muscle), who was placed on IR on September 15. The Steelers are 0-6 without Watt, dating back to his rookie season in 2017.