Zach Wilson Confirmed as Jets Starting Quarterback Following Aaron Rodgers Injury

September 15, 2023

The New York Jets have named Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season after Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the decision in a press conference earlier today.

Wilson Ready to Lead Jets Offense

Wilson took over as the starter in Week 2 against the Bills after Rodgers went down and led the Jets to a come-from-behind 22-16 overtime victory, completing 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Speaking to reporters this week, Wilson said he is ready to take on the starting role full-time.

Saleh expressed confidence in Wilson, saying the third-year pro has improved significantly from this time last season both mentally and with his mechanics. With a full season now to run the offense as the clear starter, Wilson will look to take another step in his development.

‘He’s in a Great Frame of Mind’

“From a mental standpoint, he’s so much different than this time a year ago,” Saleh said of Wilson. “He’s in a great frame of mind, he’s loving the game of football, he’s loving the process that he’s going through. He’s got a lot of confidence. All the little things that we saw in college that he was struggling with a year ago are not the same struggles that he had. He’s fixed a lot of things, a lot of things. And so we’re very excited about him.”

The Jets will be hoping Wilson can build off his performance against the Bills and establish himself as the franchise quarterback moving forward. He will look to take another step in his progression this Sunday when the Jets host the division rival Miami Dolphins.

Wilson Focuses on Improvement, Having Fun

When asked about taking on the full-time starting role, Wilson said his focus remains on improvement and enjoying the opportunity. “We get to play football for a living,” he stated. “So we gotta have fun with it.” If he can continue developing under Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur while cutting down on mistakes, Wilson may finally solidify New York’s quarterback situation. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations that came with being the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Jets are Wilson’s team to lead now. Starting Sunday against the Dolphins, he will have the chance to prove he is capable of being a franchise quarterback and help bring success back to New York’s offense. Jets fans are hoping Wilson takes another step in his progression as the team’s starting signal caller both this week and long into the future.