New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Monday that quarterback Zach Wilson wants to start after a report stated that he has reservations about returning to the role
"Let's be clear, if he was reluctant to play, he wouldn't be here," Saleh said.
Saleh said he spoke with Wilson earlier Monday.
"The young man wants the ball, he wants to start, he believes he's the best quarterback in the room and best quarterback for this team and the guy who gives us the best chance to win," Saleh said.
"I'll tell you guys the same thing I told him -- 'I appreciate it.' I appreciate the fact he wants to play. I'm just not there yet (in terms of naming a starter)."
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini reported Monday that Wilson is reluctant to return to the starter's role.
Wilson took over for an injured Aaron Rodgers after the marquee free agent suffered an Achilles injury early in the season opener.
The BYU product started the next nine games, going 3-6 as the team struggled to produce offence, before the Jets replaced him with Tim Boyle in a Black Friday loss against the Miami Dolphins.
Boyle got the hook Sunday, with Trevor Siemian replacing him in the second half of a loss to the visiting Atlanta Falcons.
With their fifth loss in a row, the Jets fell to 4-8 and all but out of playoff contention.
Rodgers has returned to practice as he contemplates a far-sooner-than-expected return from a bad injury, but that plan could go out the window with the team's playoff hopes slim to nil.
Wilson hasn't been able to hold on to the starting job since entering the league because of shaky play and injuries.
The Jets host the Houston Texans next Sunday.
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