Quarterback Mike White was named the starter over Zach Wilson for this weekend¡¯s game against the Chicago Bears, coach New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday.
Saleh said ¡°this is not a nail in the coffin¡± for Wilson.
¡°It¡¯s the same things we talked about when we elevated him to the second spot,¡± Saleh said when asked about his reasons for the move. ¡°... We know he¡¯s fully capable, he¡¯s started in this league, he¡¯s won games for us and we just want to give him an opportunity.¡±
Players were informed of the decision during a team meeting Wednesday morning. The Jets (6-4) host the Bears (3-8) on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Wilson endured his worst performance of the season in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. The second-year quarterback completed 9 of 22 passes for a career-worst 77 yards and ran three times for 26 yards.
He caught heat after the game when he was asked if he thought he let the Jets¡¯ defense down and gave a one-word answer: ¡°No.¡±
Saleh said Wilson spoke to the team after the game. The coach did not reveal what the quarterback said.
¡°Zach¡¯s career here is not over,¡± Saleh said Wednesday. ¡°I know that¡¯s going to be the narrative ... that¡¯s not even close to the case. The full intent is to make sure Zach gets back on the football field this year.
¡°The young man needs a reset.¡±
Wilson, who was drafted second overall in 2021, missed the first three games of the season while recovering from a preseason knee injury. The Jets won the first four games he started upon his return but are 1-2 since, with both losses coming to New England.
Wilson, 23, has completed 55.6% of his passes this year ¡ª matching last season¡¯s rate ¡ª and has 1,279 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
White, 27, has yet to throw a pass this season. He completed 66.7%of his attempts for 953 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games in 2021.

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