Breaking: Zach Wilson Potentially Injured For Start Of 2022 Season
Zach Wilson was just dealt a tough break. During a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the former #2 overall pick was seen limping after a rushing play. It appeared to be a non-contact injury to his left knee, stemming from a cut to change direction. Reports have now surfaced that it could be a potentially devastating knee injury.
It just gets from bad to worse for this team. I truly felt like 2022 could be a step in the right direction. However, the Jets’ “curse” gets even more depressing. There were definitely signs of progress. Head Coach Robert Saleh seems to have a good foundation going into year two. Wilson looked sharp throughout training camp. Despite the season-ending injury to Mekhi Becton, a Pro-Bowl replacement was found in Duane Brown. The receiver core looks young and hungry, like Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson, and Elijah Moore. Their defense was greatly improved through the draft and free agency. Despite being a Giants fan, I truly feel bad for the Jets fans out there. At this point, I’m starting to wonder what transgressions this franchise must have done to deserve this.
The World Keeps Turning
As hard as it is, we now must look forward. In place of Wilson, it appears that Mike White and Joe Flacco will continue to jockey for the starter spot. If they really wanted to, the Jets could also look to the trade market for an upgrade or at the very least a stop-gap of starting quality. An obvious name is Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers are pretty much locked in with Trey Lance as their starting quarterback. What kind of draft compensation would it take to bring Jimmy G to Metlife? Obviously, it is yet to be determined if GM Joe Douglas would want to pursue that.
It should be no surprise that continuing Wilson’s development was priority #1 for everyone inside and outside the Jets. However, fans and staff should not let 2022 become a lost season. There are still a number of intriguing pieces on this team that will have eyes on them. How will Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson adjust to the NFL? The same for Breece Hall? How will the offensive line look with Brown in the fold? Obviously, losing Wilson probably forces the Jets to stay in the Top 10 of next year’s draft. But, hopefully, Jets fans can look back today and think of it as a blessing in disguise before anything else.
UPDATE: Wilson has not torn his ACL. Adam Schefter reported that Wilson has suffered a torn meniscus and bone bruise. The timetable for a return is roughly 2-4 weeks. Talk about missing a bullet.
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