Zach Wilson and the New York Jets have received some good news after days of worrying about the quarterback’s right knee.
Wilson underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus and is on track to be back in the next few weeks, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
Wilson, who also has a bone bruise on his knee, flew to Los Angeles to be operated on by Dr. Neil Ellatrasch. Wilson’s meniscus was removed and ElAttrache found no additional damage beyond what was originally thought, said a person who spoke to his AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not release the results of the surgery. .
That timeline means the Jets could still potentially have a starting quarterback for Week 1. But the team could be cautious before returning Wilson to the field.
ESPN first reported that no additional injuries were found during Wilson’s surgery.
Wilson was initially expected to miss two to four weeks with a bone bruise in his right knee and a torn meniscus, but the team was optimistic that his condition would continue.
But the timeline for how long a second-year quarterback can be sidelined depends on meniscus surgery and whether it needs to be trimmed or repaired entirely.
Wilson suffered a serious and potentially season-ending knee injury in New York’s second offensive series, which included a 24-21 preseason opening win in Philadelphia last Friday night. Post-match tests showed the knee’s ACL intact, and Saturday morning’s MRI revealed a bone bruise and a torn meniscus.
Joe Flacco could start the regular season opener against his former team Baltimore on Sept. 11 if Wilson isn’t ready.
Coach Robert Saleh acknowledged on Sunday that Wilson’s absence for several weeks would be a setback to his development, especially with the Jets scheduled to practice jointly with the Falcons and Giants.
“It’s a setback in that he’s missed out on an incredible opportunity to get these reps and play other defenses, especially the Giants who have such an elaborate pressure package system, pressure system. “But he will have to continue adjusting, learning from his teammates and trying to be as mentally involved as possible, as he did last year when he was injured.”
“The timing of it all sucks and sucks, but if Zach mentally attacks, I think there’s still an opportunity to grow from there.”