Jets going back to Wilson as starting QB vs. Texans

The New York Jets are starting Zach Wilson for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, head coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday.

It'll be Wilson's first start since he was benched during the team's Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He served as the third quarterback on the depth chart in the last two games.

"Zach gives us our best chance to win, and (I'm) giving him another opportunity to prove that," Saleh said Wednesday.

Saleh also shut down a report suggesting the quarterback was reluctant to start again due to injury concerns.

"He's fired up," Saleh said. "Like I said on Monday, he came into my office, he wants the ball, and he's excited about getting this opportunity."

Wilson said he'll play with a chip on his shoulder Thursday but added, "I'm gonna have more fun than I've ever had," according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers also came to Wilson's defense Tuesday, calling the rumor "chickenshit." He added that the organization needs "to get to the bottom" of where the rumor originated.

Saleh said Wednesday that he doesn't believe the franchise has a problem with media leaks, per Cimini.

Wilson was tasked with guiding the Jets following Rodgers' Achilles tear during the season opener. However, he's been unable to produce much, completing just under 59.2% of his passes for six touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Tim Boyle started the last two games, though he was released Tuesday. Trevor Siemian also made an appearance in last Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

New York recently opened Rodgers' practice window. The veteran has opted for an aggressive rehab in hopes of making an unprecedented return from his serious injury. However, he said his health and the team's playoff chances will factor into a potential 2023 comeback.

The Jets have a 4-8 record after losing five games in a row.