New York Jets coach outlines Zach Wilson expectation after Aaron Rodgers injury

14 September 2023 , 20:06

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Zach Wilson has been backed to be a success for the New York Jets (Image: Michael Owens/Getty Images)

New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has explained why Zach Wilson deserves his chance to be the team’s starting quarterback.

The Jets are still reeling from the injury suffered by Aaron Rodgers in his first NFL game from the franchise. The 39-year-old went down with what turned out to be an Achilles’ tendon injury in just his fourth play against the Buffalo Bills in Monday Night Football.

Rodgers was set to be the starting quarterback for the Jets following his trade from the Green Bay Packers. However, now the veteran QB has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and will spend the next few months on the sidelines in recovery.

There has been no word on when, or indeed if, Rodgers will undergo surgery on the injury. For the Jets, though, the question remains whether the team will promote Wilson to a starter in the long term.

After Rodgers’ injury, Wilson stepped in and helped the Jets claim an overtime win over the Bills in the Week One game. Tim Boyle is the only other quarterback on the Jets roster, which has led to speculation that the Jets could move for another QB to add to the team.

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The Jets offensive coordinator was asked about Wilson’s previous struggles which led to the trade for Rodgers. Now that the veteran quarterback is out for the season, Hackett has explained why the coaching staff and front office has every confidence that Wilson can have a good year.

“That’s the past,” Hackett said when speaking to reporters on Thursday. “This is the future.

“This is a guy that’s been training his butt off and learning a new system and growing within it. I think everybody can say they have seen him grow. And that’s all we can do, every game.

“There’s gonna be ups and downs with all quarterbacks and with all players, especially young players. There’s always gonna be questions.

“For me as a coach, I just want to keep teaching him. I just want him to feel more and more comfortable and keep growing."

Wilson has been with the Jets for two seasons after being drafted with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The first two years did not go fully to plan, which led to the trade for Rodgers at the start of the off-season.

Hackett’s job now will be to work with Wilson and ensure he is ready for what the 2023 regular season deals the Jets. That will begin with the Week Two game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Mark Wakefield