Jets backup quarterback Zach Wilson had an unexpected role in Monday night’s win over the Bills following Aaron Rodgers’s injury to his Achilles.
Wilson was back under center, returning to the spot he occupied for 22 games over the last two seasons. The former No. 2 overall pick completed 14-of-21 passing attempts for 140 yards and a touchdown to emerging star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
After the Jets completed an impressive comeback against the Bills, emerging with a 22-16 victory, the signal-caller spoke about the unbelievable catch made by Wilson, whose third-quarter touchdown proved to be a pivotal one.
“Yeah, we had a run play called and you guys know [Garrett Wilson], he’s pushing me all day ‘Throw the fade, throw the fade, throw the fade,’” the quarterback said. “And I want to, you know, we had the run play called and Coach Hack goes, ‘Hey let’s err on handing this one off,’ and I’m just looking out there and saw G and was like, ‘I’m throwing this one up.’ You knew he was gonna go up there and make a play. It wasn’t the best throw and the dude was boxing him out but that dude has unbelievable ball skills and he always finds a way to come down with it, so he’s somebody I’ve just gotta keep leaning on to.”
Here’s a look at the grab the Jets quarterback is referencing:
Garrett Wilson — catch of the year? pic.twitter.com/2Ij7E3tgaz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 12, 2023
Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters after the game that it is feared that Rodgers tore his Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. While an MRI is scheduled for Tuesday to confirm the injury, Saleh already went as far as to say that Wilson will be the starter for the rest of the year.
Assuming that’s the case, there will be plenty of opportunities for Wilson to connect with his star wideout for the remainder of the season.
