Who is the Jets’ starting QB this week vs Lions? Mike White injury forces Robert Saleh to make tough call
The New York Jets will make another change at quarterback this week, as starting quarterback Mike White was ruled out on Friday, December 8th. Doctors won't clear him for contact before Sunday's contest, resulting in him being inactive.
The bad news for White spells good news for another quarterback. The injury paves the way for Zach Wilson to start and get another opportunity at quarterback.
Sources: Jets doctors will not clear QB Mike White for contact before Sunday’s game vs. Detroit and thus Zach Wilson will start against the Lions. White wanted to play and has practiced but Jets doctors are not signing off. Thus, Wilson is back as the Jets’ starting QB. https://t.co/mq3zEKwyw7
White suffered the injury in Sunday's contest vs. the Buffalo Bills. Linebacker Matt Milano leveled White with a clean hit that sprung White's torso back while falling fast and hard to the ground.
This is literally the hardest you can legally hit a quarterback in today’s NFL. Picture perfect form tackle by Matt Milano https://t.co/LCrtax9qCu
Following the vicious hit, White was hospitalized and had X-rays. The Jets listed him as day-to-day, but after more testing this week, his injury showed more damage than expected, which has forced him out this week. White wants to play through the injury, but doctors refuse to clear him.
To clear one thing up, Mike White was cleared to return to the game Sunday in Buffalo after he had X-Rays in the stadium. He had further, more precise testing this week that showed further injury and that led to him not being cleared for contact this week.
Wilson will make his eighth start of the season this Sunday vs. the roaring Detroit Lions. He was benched following the Jets' 10–3 loss to the Patriots in Week 11 where he completed nine of 22 passes.
Following the loss to the Patriots, Wilson made something of a mess of an interview. When asked if he thought his performance had a part in the outcome of the game, and if he felt he had let down the defense, he simply answered: "No."
The Jets defense had let in only three points all game, with the game-losing touchdown coming from a punt return with only seconds remaining. The refusal to be held accountable was part of the reason why the team benched him.
How long will Mike White be out?
There are multiple factors to consider when answering this question. While the New York Jets expected to have Mike White for this Sunday's contest vs. the Lions, they'll have to wait until at least next week for him to return.
According to Brian Costello, who covers the Jets for the New York Post, White may not be ready to go for next week's game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Saleh said White will be evaluated Monday but they have a short week next week so his availability against the Jaguars on Thursday is a question.
Head coach Robert Saleh said White will be evaluated Monday, but the Jets have a short week as they face the Jags in Thursday Night Football.
There's also no guarantee White will start again. Wilson could have a terrific game on Sunday, and has the chance to win the spot back. The pressure is definitely on for Zach Wilson, as fans have largely turned their back on him and see Mike White as their future QB. All eyes will be on Wilson in Week 15 and he needs to win not just the game, but also the Jets fanbase.