Joe Flacco to start for Jets in season opener as Zach Wilson expected to return Week 4, Robert Saleh says

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The New York Jets' early optimism that Zach Wilson would be available for their Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday after sustaining a knee injury during the preseason came to an abrupt end on Wednesday when head coach Robert Saleh announced Joe Flacco as starting quarterback. 

"We’re rollin’ with Joe," Saleh told reporters during a press conference before adding that the second-year signal caller would likely be out until New York’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 2. 

Joe Flacco, #19 of the New York Jets, on the sideline during the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on November 14, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)

"I really don’t want to talk about this situation anymore so the earliest he’s going to be available is Pittsburgh. That’s going to be the earliest just from everything we’ve gathered over the last couple of days – now can it change? Sure, I’m always going to leave that door open," Saleh said. 

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Wilson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus he sustained after suffering a non-contact knee injury during the Jets’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. His initial prognosis was 2-4 weeks, but Saleh emphasized the decision not to rush his return. 

"You guys know me, I’m the eternal optimist, but we are going to make sure that both mind and body are 110%, make sure we do right by him."

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, #2, is helped off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at