Where is Zach Wilson? Why Jets QB isn't starting in Week 17 vs. Browns

Emily Dozier

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Where is Zach Wilson? Why Jets QB isn't starting in Week 17 vs. Browns image

Could it get any worse for the Jets? Well, not really, considering they're already out of the playoffs.

To say it's been a disappointing season is an understatement, though that was realized four snaps into the season with Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles. Since then, New York has had the worst offense in the league. The team has started three additional quarterbacks since Rodgers went down, Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian, yet has been unable to find a consistent rhythm with any.

Still, the Jets will be down to even fewer options in their final games with Wilson's absence.

MORE: Jets' Aaron Rodgers outlines future plans with 2023 season effectively over

What happened to Zach Wilson?

Where is Zach Wilson?

Wilson suffered a concussion on Dec. 17 against Miami. He missed the team's final home game against the Commanders and will miss Week 17 against the Browns, too, as he hasn't cleared protocol.

Coach Robert Saleh made it official at Tuesday's press conference.

While Wilson is close to being recovered, Saleh said his return wasn't worth the rush. The 6-9 Jets are eliminated from postseason contention, first and foremost, making the game against Cleveland unimportant in some ways.

MORE: What happened to Zach Wilson vs. Dolphins?

Wilson, who was named starting QB after Rodgers' season-ending injury, has played 12 games this year. He has a 4-7 record as a starter, passing for eight touchdowns and seven interceptions on a 60.1 percent completion rate.

Siemian will get his second start in Cleveland after helping New York to a win over Washington last week. It wasn't a huge game for the veteran, as Breece Hall took care of most of the offense. Siemian finished with 217 yards and one touchdown and interception. Against the Dolphins, after replacing Wilson, he threw two interceptions.

Who gets the call in the season finale against the Patriots has yet to be determined.

Emily Dozier

Emily Dozier Photo

Emily Dozier is a live events and lifestyle writer at The Sporting News, covering everything from sporting events and music festivals to broadway shows and stand-up comedy. Based out of New York, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. When not covering the SN tickets beat, Emily enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Prior to joining The Sporting News in 2023, Emily covered the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Associated Press.