Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that there is still a chance Zach Wilson starts in Gang Green’s season opener on Sunday, and that a definitive answer will come on Wednesday.
But Tiki believes Saleh and the Jets should already have their decision, and it should be to go with Joe Flacco in Week 1.
“That’s what I would do. It gives you a better chance to win right now,” Tiki said. “A meniscus knee injury is really painful. It’s one of those things if he hurts it again, who knows how long he’d be out.
“He also hasn’t done anything for two weeks. He hasn’t been a forward-facing leader of the team for weeks. That’s been Joe Flacco. If you throw him in to start Week 1, yes he’s gonna get those live reps, but he really hasn’t been practicing, and I worry about that going into the start of the regular season.”
Tiki sees the potential benefits of rolling with Wilson out of the gate, but thinks playing it safe is the best choice for New York.
“It would energize the team in a sense, because he’s supposed to be your future,” Tiki said. “Also, it’s a chance for him to continue to grow in a live game and situation. It’s great to be good in practice and have the verbiage, but you never know until you do it in a game.”
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