Jets' Quarterback, Tight End Begin Week 17 in Concussion Protocol

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 12/26/23

The New York Jets have two offensive players in concussion protocol as they begin their short week of preparation for a Thursday Night Football appearance against the Cleveland Browns.

With quarterback Zach Wilson already on the shelf, second-year tight end Jeremy Ruckert joined him following Sunday's win. Ruckert, who delivered a great lead block on Breece Hall's 36-yard first-quarter touchdown run, left the game early and was subsequently ruled out due to a concussion.

On Monday, Jets' head coach Robert Saleh addressed the prospect of Ruckert suiting up on December 28 against the Browns.

"Ruckert, he’s entering the protocol, so he’ll be out," said Saleh. "As for as Zach, we’ll get more information tomorrow."

Wilson, who missed the Week 16 win over Washington due to head injury, has been sidelined since late in the first half against Miami on December 17. Although the Jets did not hold an official practice on Monday, Wilson was listed as a "DNP" on the report.

With what seems like a waning chance of Wilson clearing concussion protocol in time for Thursday, the Jets appear ready to start Trevor Siemian for the second week in a row.

"We’ll see how everything goes with Zach, for sure," said Saleh, who didn't completely close the door on Wilson returning to the lineup for the TNF matchup.

Prior to the first-half injury in Miami, Wilson was coming off a 300-yard passing performance in a rout of the Houston Texans. Facing constant heat from the Dolphins' defensive front, Wilson went 4-of-11 passing for 26 yards over five possessions. He was sacked four times.

Siemian was serviceable, but lackluster at times in the 30-28 triumph over Washington on December 24. He finished 27-of-49 passing for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Ruckert, the No. 101 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, has appeared in all 15 games thus far this season. He has made 16 catches for 151 yards and has flashed brilliance as a run blocker.