Jets HC Robert Saleh attempts to clarify Zach Wilson injury controversy

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh attempted during a Wednesday news conference to clarify what happened regarding the concussion that quarterback Zach Wilson suffered during this past Sunday's 30-0 loss at the Miami Dolphins. 

"Sometimes we don't always catch it right and that's why we have the NFL spotters to spot things up top and all that stuff," Saleh explained about the situation, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "But players do not want to come off the field, too, and you always encourage them to communicate."

It was initially reported that Wilson exited Sunday's game because of issues related to dehydration before he ultimately was diagnosed with a concussion. His mother later revealed via social media that the 24-year-old essentially hid symptoms of a head injury from coaches and medical personnel because he "didn’t want to go out" and "didn’t want to stop playing."

A report from earlier this month claimed Wilson was "reluctant to step back into the starting role" due to injury concerns after he was benched for a third time since November 2022. Saleh, Wilson and others later poured cold water over that story. 

"Credit to Zach; he will fight," Saleh added on Wednesday. "That's one thing I'll say about that young man is he's always gotten up. No matter how many hits he's taken, how many times he's running for his life, he's always come back to the huddle. And so I have a great appreciation for him, but at the same time, thank goodness that it was spotted up top and we were able to get him the care he needs."

Wilson remains in the concussion protocol as of Saleh's update but has yet to be ruled out for this coming Sunday's home game against the 4-10 Washington Commanders. With the 5-9 Jets eliminated from postseason play, everyone involved may feel it's best for backup Trevor Siemian to start against Washington so Wilson can be closer to 100% for the team's Week 17 matchup at the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 28.