On Friday night, the Jets suffered every team’s worst fear: An injury to their starting quarterback in a preseason game. As the sports world collectively played armchair doctor, a torn ACL was the most common prediction. The thought was understandable to some degree, based on how the injury looked on live television. Thankfully for the Jets and their fans however, the official prognosis is far far better. Zach Wilson has a bone bruise and a torn meniscus, meaning he will be back in action relatively soon.
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Jets QB Zach Wilson suffered a bone bruise last night, per source. The ligaments are in good shape. More tests incoming on a potential meniscus injury to determine a timeline. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 13, 2022
The Injury
The injury occurred as Zach Wilson scrambled out of the pocket right to avoid pressure, and took advantage of a rushing lane. Instead of heading out of bounds, Wilson cut back inside to try and gain a few extra yards. Wilson’s athleticism is highly regarded, and it’s the type of move he has made countless times throughout his pro and college career. Unfortunately, his cut didn’t quite connect as he expected, and there was a slight wobble, noticeable on the broadcast. While he didn’t drop to the turf, he immediately slowed up, and allowed himself to be tackled. He was able to get up, but quickly sat back down to wait for the trainers to investigate.
After Wilson beelined straight to the locker room, the speculation began to run rampant. Ultimately, news dropped today that the injury is a bone bruise, as well as a minor tear of the meniscus. The meniscus is the tough piece of cartilage on either side of the knee joint which absorbs impact between the thigh and shin bones. The severity of either injury can impact the expected return time for an athlete.
The Timeline
Today it was announced that Wilson will be out two to four weeks as a result of the injury. This puts Wilson’s return timeline right up against week one, with the distinct possibility he is available. According to Dr. Kyle Trimble of Banged Up Bills, the fact that the meniscus procedure entails a trim versus a full repair is key in regards to the timeline. He also stated that the bone bruise must be very minor to suggest such a speedy return. Trimble says that based on available information, a return for week one is realistic, although teams tend to be optimistic. Regardless of whether Wilson is available to play against the Ravens, the overall news is a huge relief to the organization and fans. The game action Wilson will miss is minimal to none, meaning he can quickly return to his development.
Jets QB Zach Wilson has a bone bruise and meniscus tear, per sources. He will miss 2-4 weeks. He will get a second opinion, but that is the belief right now.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) August 13, 2022
The preseason time lost won’t necessarily help the offensive chemistry, but sometimes you just take the small wins when you can. The Jets won’t have to trade for a quarterback, their season isn’t over, and optimism only takes the slightest hit. An injury to the starting quarterback in the preseason was what many call “same old Jets.” Maybe the news today is a sign that things have changed, and this team isn’t the same. Normally the headline “Zach Wilson has a bone bruise and torn meniscus” would be disheartening, yet somehow today it’s a major relief.