Zach Wilson Will Start For Injured Mike White Sunday – But He Will Need To Win Back His Teammates

Zach Wilson will get another opportunity for the New York Jets Sunday after the doctors refused to clear Mike White  – but he will need to prove to his teammates that he’s changed.

According to head coach Robert Saleh, the plan was to get the 2021 second-overall pick back on the field this year and give what he called a “reset.”

That happened after Wilson’s abysmal second half against the New England Patriots where he not only missed simple check-down passes and threw for just 12 yards – but refused to take accountability after the loss.

That was the boiling point for his teammates giving Saleh no choice but to turn to fan favorite Mike White, who has played well as the new starting quarterback and make Wilson inactive for three straight weeks.

But now White has a rib injury that he suffered last Sunday against Buffalo Bills.

While White felt confident that he would play against Detroit Lions all week, the medical staff felt otherwise.

“He got on the plane and checked out fine,” Saleh told reporters today.

“Monday and Tuesday, same thing, more evaluation, he was cleared for practice, which he has been doing, he feels fine, but our doctors, and rightfully so, would not clear him for contact.”

Saleh declined to reveal the extent of White’s injury and if he has cracked ribs.

For most of the games that Wilson has appeared in this year, his stat line hasn’t looked too pretty.

In seven appearances this year, Wilson has thrown for more than 1,200 yards and has just four touchdown passes to five interceptions.

Most notably, wide receiver Elijah Moore got frustrated with not getting the ball when Wilson was the starting QB – and even requested a trade.

And while Jets players have seemed to love playing for White, it will be another chance for Wilson.

This time, though – he will need to win them over.

The good news it appears that Wilson is in at least a good mental place at the moment, based on his media appearance on Friday.

But things could get interesting if Wilson plays well in White’s absence.