Don’t do it.
Don’t rush him.
Be good.
Play Joe Flacco.
Give Zach Wilson one other week.
Wilson, the Jets second-year quarterback who suffered a meniscus tear and a bone bruise in his proper knee within the preseason opener in opposition to the Eagles on Aug. 12 in Philadelphia, understandably desires to return to the sphere sooner somewhat than later.
Wilson, who missed 4 video games in his rookie season with a knee damage, burns to start out Sunday’s season opener in opposition to the Ravens at MetLife Stadium and put his damage historical past within the rearview mirror.
On Monday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh revealed that Wilson labored out early within the day and mentioned “it’s doable’’ he’ll begin Sunday — pending how his knee recovers Tuesday. Saleh mentioned he’ll announce who’ll begin in opposition to the Ravens on Wednesday earlier than the crew’s first follow of the week.
For the sake of Wilson, Saleh ought to announce Flacco will begin in opposition to his former crew, leaving Wilson with another week to strengthen his left knee and soak up extra practices earlier than returning.
Saleh wants to guard Wilson from himself and his personal eagerness.
The Jets ought to put extra inventory into the larger image than merely this Sunday.
Another week after which unleash the child to let it rip.
The very last thing the Jets want is to hurry Wilson again onto the sphere earlier than he’s absolutely prepared bodily and after he’s missed three vital weeks of follow (13 practices in all) and the ultimate two preseason video games.
Begin Flacco this week and let Wilson start his 2022 season the next week in opposition to the Browns in Cleveland.
Flacco is absolutely able to operating the offense and, with the Jets a 7-point underdog at house, Flacco going up in opposition to the crew for whom he performed from 2008-18 for the primary time in his profession would possibly add somewhat little bit of juice to the Jets.
Listening to Saleh communicate on Monday left you with the impression that he desires Wilson in there as quickly as doable and that he doesn’t plan on a tiptoe again to motion.
“Finally he’s acquired to get again in there whether or not it’s this week, subsequent week, the week after, it doesn’t matter,” Saleh mentioned. “You simply have to tear the Band-Help off when he’s able to play. When he’s wholesome and he feels good, he’s going to play soccer.”
Wilson, who had arthroscopic surgical procedure on the knee on Aug. 16 and hasn’t suited up for a follow since, was anticipated to overlook 2-4 weeks on the time of the damage. Tuesday marks three weeks.
The second-overall decide in final yr’s draft performed solely 9 snaps in his one preseason sport, throwing a poor interception and injuring his knee on a scramble making an attempt to realize additional yards as an alternative of safely operating out of bounds.
The Jets beginning Wilson on Sunday could be akin to Wilson making an attempt for these additional yards in Philadelphia as an alternative of taking the protected means out and operating out of bounds. The Jets ought to take the protected route right here, play the lengthy sport.
The 37-year-old Flacco had a powerful coaching camp. Wilson can wait one other week to get stronger bodily and get vital follow reps.
“Joe has much more expertise, with Zach being in his second yr within the league, however Zach is a particular participant,” Jets guard Laken Tomlinson mentioned Monday. “The best way he handles himself working this offense, we’re actually impressed along with his work.”
Saleh mentioned the crew “put Zach by a exercise’’ (which was closed to reporters) on Monday, together with some operating and throwing.
“[He] appeared good, felt good,’’ Saleh mentioned. “We’re going to see how the knee responds immediately and [Tuesday] and we’ll have a solution for everyone on Wednesday.’’
For the sake of everybody concerned — most notably Wilson — that reply will probably be Flacco beginning on Sunday.
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