New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson will return to the starting lineup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after team doctors denied Mike White a callout. This was announced by head coach Robert Saleh on Friday, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
White, who was hospitalized as a precaution after falling twice with a rib injury in last Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, was pushing to play after practicing during the week, sources told Adam Schefter from ESPN.
New York benched Wilson for White after young Wilson struggled in the first half of the season.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for Zach,” Saleh said. “…We’re very comfortable with Zach’s preparation and that he’s getting his normal workload that a starting quarterback would normally get.”
The AFC East team had promoted Wilson to No. 2 ahead of Joe Flacco on Wednesday.
Wilson has threw for 1,279 yards and four touchdowns on seven attempts this year while completing just over 55% of his passes. He had similar problems as a rookie, rushing for 2,334 yards and nine scores against 11 picks in 13 attempts.
White threw for 952 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in three attempts.