Coach Robert Saleh said it’s “likely” Wilson will start Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, though the realistic outcome is that Wilson will have at least a week to heal. That would set up backup Joe Flacco to face the Ravens, his team from 2005 to 2018, in the season opener at MetLife Stadium. All signs have pointed to Flacco since Wilson suffered a torn meniscus and bone bruises on Aug. 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Saleh added some angst Monday.
1 Related “Looked good, felt good,” Saleh said of Wilson’s workout. “We’ll see how the knee responds today and tomorrow and we’ll have an answer for everyone on Wednesday.” Monday’s practice was closed to the media, and Saleh did not provide many details other than that Wilson’s practice included running and throwing. Wilson was expected to miss two to four weeks, sources said at the time of the injury. Tuesday marks three weeks since the surgery, but the Jets have emphasized that Wilson will not play until he is 100 percent. Given the team’s cautious approach and the fact that Wilson has yet to practice fully, the expectation is that Flacco will get the nod against the Ravens, whom he led to a Super Bowl championship following the 2012 season. Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, has missed 13 practices and two preseason games. Saleh has made it clear that Wilson will play as soon as he is ready, adding that he could play with just one week of full practice as a starter. A year ago, when Wilson broke the same knee, he did three weeks of training before returning. Saleh said the increase period will not be as long this time. “At the end of the day, whether it’s this week or next week, it’s going to be the same story: He has to get back there,” Saleh said. “You just have to cut the Band-Aid off when he’s ready to play. When he’s healthy and feeling good, he’s going to play football.” Flacco, 37, has run the offense since Wilson’s injury, with Mike White as the backup. Flacco impressed teammates and coaches in training camp, but sputtered in his only preseason game. He threw a pick-six against the New York Giants. “Joe has a lot more experience, with Zach being in his second year in the league, but Zach is a special player,” guard Laken Tomlinson said. “The way he handles himself in handling this offense, we’re really impressed with his work.” Wilson played nine snaps in his only preseason game. He threw an interception, and on second down, tried to gain extra yards on a tackle instead of running the safety out of bounds. His knee buckled and he fell awkwardly to the grass.
