Ad Blocker Placeholder

Jets bench QB Wilson, White to start Sunday against Bears

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Zach Wilson has been benched by the New York Jets and the underachieving quarterback will be replaced by Mike White as the starter Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Coach Robert Saleh announced the decision Wednesday after evaluating and discussing the situation with his assistants.

“Zach's career here is not over,” Saleh said, adding that the plan is to have the second-year quarterback “reset” with the hope Wilson plays again this season. "This is not putting a nail in his coffin.”

Joe Flacco will serve as White's backup, and Wilson will not be active against the Bears.

Saleh didn’t commit Monday to having Wilson under center this week after the second-year quarterback’s dismal performance in the Jets’ 10-3 loss to the Patriots in New England. The No. 2 overall pick in the draft last year was 9 of 22 for a measly 77 yards with several wayward throws. The Jets managed just 2 total yards on seven possessions in the second half.

'I haven't been doing my job': Jets QB Wilson not surprised by benching
Zach Wilson spoke to the media, giving his reaction to his benching after a performance where he only completed nine passes against the New England Patriots. The New York Jets lost 10-3.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:05
Loaded: 15.10%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:05
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    ×
    Sportsnet Logo
    It looks like you are using an ad blocker
    Please consider whitelisting sportsnet.ca

    Wilson has taken a lot of criticism this week not only for his play on the field, but how he handled his postgame news conference. When asked if he thought he and the offence let down the defence — which sacked Mac Jones six times — Wilson replied curtly: “No. No.”

    It appeared to be a lack of accountability and rubbed some inside the Jets’ locker room the wrong way. Rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson vented after the game, without using names, saying the offence had a “sorry” performance and “hopefully, this is a wakeup for some people in the facility.”

    Saleh acknowledged there might have been "a little irritation,” but insisted Wilson's comments had no bearing on the decision. Saleh said Wilson addressed the team, but declined to share details.

    NFL NEWS

    More Headlines

    COMMENTS

    When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.