FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 15: Quarterbacks Zach Wilson #2 and Joe Flacco #19 of the New York Jets practice during New York Jets mandatory minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 15, 2022 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
This weekend, it was reported that Jets QB Zach Wilson is headed to Los Angeles in order to have a procedure on his injured knee. Wilson sustained a fractured kneecap and could miss significant time in 2022 NFL season as a result.
Still, Jets HC Robert Saleh and the coaching staff is cautiously optimistic that Wilson’s injury will not be season-ending. He stated about Wilson’s upcoming procedure: “We’re optimistic [that Wilson will return this season] but he’s not out of the woods until they get in there and make the decision.”
While Wilson is sidelined, 37 year-old seasoned veteran Joe Flacco will be the Jets’ starting quarterback when the season begins. Flacco hasn’t played in more than nine games in a regular season since his last year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017. That season, he passed for 3,141 yards and 18 touchdowns with 13 picks. In two seasons for the Jets, Flacco has started just five games all of which he lost. Still, this is more so a reflection of the Jets’ team and not Flacco’s ability as a passer. He’s actually put up solid numbers as a Jet despite not seeing much playing time. In 2020 and 2021 combined, Flacco produced 1,202 passing yards for nine touchdowns and just three interceptions.
New York has ramped up their wide receiving corps. Rookie receiver Garrett Wilson has been turning heads for the Jets during training camp. Reportedly, Wilson is already building solid chemistry with Joe Flacco in practice. Wilson stated that “there’s definitely a difference” in passes thrown to him between Zach Wilson and Joe Flacco, emphasizing that he feels “a lot of experience right there with Flacco. (...) He does a good job of making the passes receiver-friendly. That’s the best way I can put it into words.”
While Jets fans and fantasy owners alike should be seriously concerned about Zach Wilson’s status in 2022, Joe Flacco is surprising young receivers at camp and could have a decent season. In turn, Wilson will be undergoing a procedure on his knee cap very soon and a timetable for his return remains unclear. Still, fantasy football owners should probably avoid both Wilson and Flacco if you want consistent production at the quarterback position on your roster.
