Zach Wilson injury update: Jets QB suffers non-contact knee injury but team optimistic he won’t miss much time
The first quarter of the 2022 NFL preseason hasn’t been particularly kind for the Jets. They left the frame behind the Eagles 14-0, but most importantly, they lost starting quarterback Zach Wilson to a non-contact knee injury.
Wilson’s injury came after he logged a 7-yard scramble. The sophomore was under immediate pressure falling back to pass but used his mobility to get out of the pocket.
As he tried to juk Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, he fell awkwardly to the ground. He was able to get up, but walked with a noticeable limp after the game.
Zach Wilson hobbles after making an awkward scrambling cut. #jets pic.twitter.com/YkOYZ5sL6f
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 13, 2022
The Jets pulled Wilson out of the game and sent him to the locker room for a check-up. The team officially ruled him return questionable.
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That Wilson wasn’t immediately ruled out bodes well for the Jets. As was the fact that he was able to get into the dressing room under his own steam. Wilson was also seen walking “gently” in the dressing room without a brace on his knee after the game, per the athlete.
Robert Saleh gave no big news about Wilson during his post-game press conference, but said the quarterback’s ACL “should be intact.” Saleh also announced that Wilson will have an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that the “early thought” is that Wilson may have sustained a PCL injury. That’s the same injury that kept Wilson out for four games during his rookie season.
While the Jets will be waiting for the MRI tomorrow for more answers on Zach Wilson’s knee situation, sources share the early thought it could be a PCL injury. More definitive answers are coming, but there is hope within the team that it could just be a few weeks of recovery.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) August 13, 2022
SNY’s Connor Hughes also reported that the Jets believed they had “evaded.” [the] Worst case scenario involving Zach Wilson’s knee.”
Sources: #jets believe they avoided the worst-case scenario involving Zach Wilson’s knee. Real belief that the season doesn’t end. MRI to confirm her feelings. The hope is that they are looking at weeks and not years. This is how I feel leaving Philly.
Again: MRI final confirmation
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 13, 2022
Before leaving the game, Wilson completed 3 of 5 passes for 23 yards and one interception. He put up 7 rushing yards, all in the scramble that left him injured.
Wilson was replaced by Mike White, who went 1-2 in three starts for the Jets last year when Wilson missed four games with a sprained knee. The other start went to Joe Flacco, also on the New York list.
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Jets QB depth chart
Flacco and White would likely fight for the starting job if Wilson is forced to miss time. Flacco is currently listed as Wilson’s primary backup, which appears to give him an early advantage over White.
Former CFL star Chris Streveler is also on the list. He would be bumped to the third string if Wilson was out.
| rank | player |
| 1 | Zach Wilson |
| 2 | Joe Flaco |
| 3 | mike white |
| 4 | Chris Streveler |