Head Coach Robert Saleh told reporters Monday that he was not ready to name a starting QB for the Jets' matchup with the Texans Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.
"I'm still not there yet," Saleh said.
Earlier Monday, The Athletic reported that third-year QB Zach Wilson had expressed 'reluctance' about a possible return to the lineup due to 'perceived injury risk.' Saleh dismissed that notion in the afternoon.
"Let's be clear, if he was reluctant to play guys, he wouldn't be here," Saleh said.
Prior to meeting with the media, Wilson sought Saleh out and expressed his desire to play.
"I actually coincidentally just got done speaking with him," Saleh said. "He came in about a half hour ago and we had a really good conversation. The young man wants the ball, he wants to start. He believes he is the best quarterback in the room and the best quarterback for this team and the guy who gives us the best chance to win."
Wilson, who served as the team's emergency third QB the past two games, took over from future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers when the four-time NFL MVP sustained a torn Achilles vs. the Bills in Week 1. Wilson is 3-6 as a starter and has completed 59.2% of his passes for 1,944 yards with 6 TDs and 7 INTs.
"I'll tell you guys the same thing I told him – I appreciate the fact that he wants to play. I'm just not there yet," Saleh said.
QB Tim Boyle, who came on in relief of Wilson late in a 32-6 loss to the Bills in on Nov. 19, started the past two games against the Dolphins and Falcons as the offense totaled just 12 points. QB Trevor Siemian, who played in relief of Boyle Sunday, played most of the fourth quarter, completing 5 of 13 for 66 yards and was sacked 3 times in a 13-8 loss.
"I want to make sure no one is acting emotionally," Saleh said. "I want to make sure we are making the right decision for this organization and team moving forward. And we want to make sure that the guy who is best ready to play is on the football field. We are just trying to find a way to win a football game."
Rodgers returned to practice last Wednesday and was on the sideline Sunday with a headset. Less than three months after his injury, he told reporters Thursday that "anything is possible" with regards to a potential return to the field prior to the end of the season.
When asked if Rodgers could play this week, Saleh indicated that it would be unlikely.
"I am going to piggyback on what he told you guys in that, anything is possible," Saleh said. "But don't hold your breath."
