It was, by all accounts, a black Sunday for the New York Jets. Their potential playoff plans were shattered following a heavy 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Indeed, halfway through the game, things went from bad to worse for the Jets when their quarterback, Zach Wilson, suffered a concussion.
This news, coupled with the Texans’ sterling victory over the Titans, officially eliminated the Jets from playoff contention.
The double-blow draws early curtains on Aaron Rodgers’ anticipated return from injury.
Jets eliminated from playoff contention following Texans' win, rendering Aaron Rodgers' return from IR unlikelyhttps://t.co/j33FR4XejY pic.twitter.com/7gmGwMiavW
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 17, 2023
The game wasn’t kind to the Jets, and it was a particularly unfortunate day for Zach Wilson. The young Jets quarterback left the match close to halftime initially due to dehydration.
The situation deteriorated when it became clear that he had suffered a concussion. This early departure meant that he managed a meager 26 passing yards with a low 44.9 passer rating in the game.
“I’m not sure the process. I know, from my understanding, it was called up top,” head coach Robert Saleh told reporters after the game when asked to explain for clarification on the change from dehydration to a concussion. “He is now in the protocol.”
Wilson’s successor, Trevor Siemian, also struggled on the field, securing only 110 yards and two interceptions from 26 attempts.
Adding to their woes, the Jets didn’t fare any better on the ground. The rushing game performance was considerably lackluster, adding only 23 yards, capturing the essence of their rough day.
This dismal totality culminated in the Jets being shutout for the first time this season. It’s a new low for a team that has already had to endure five games where they scored 10 points or fewer.
Rodgers had been keenly primed for a breathtaking comeback from a torn Achilles sustained in week 1. However, such hopes have been dashed by the turn of events.
The result significantly impacts the roster decision due this Wednesday. The Jets were considering activating Rodgers off injured reserve before the team’s playoff chances evaporated.
Now, it is highly unlikely that the four-time Most Valuable Player will return to the 53-man team roster.
This brutal loss, paired with Rodgers’ unlikely return, leaves a bitter taste and may signify an end to the Jets’ regular-season dreams of winning a championship.
It also implies that Jets fans have very meager chances of watching Rodgers play. Despite these setbacks, head coach Robert Saleh remains committed to ending the season on a high note.
While the playoff is now off the table, the Jets will continue to fight hard in the remaining games.
“It’s disappointing, starting from the first series of the year all the way until now,” he said on Sunday. “It’s just been a constant battle. I do appreciate the heck out of our guys. We’ve still got three games left to finish strong.”
