Jets QB Joe Flacco prepared himself to be thrust into starter's role
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Joe Flacco wasn’t caught off guard by the news that Zach Wilson would need more time for his knee to recover.
“I haven’t even heard the amount of games or anything like that,” Flacco said. “Listen, mentally I’ve been preparing like I’m going to play the whole time anyway so it’s really not that big of a deal.”
Officially, Wilson is out at least three weeks. The Jets are Flacco’s team in September. He will lead the offense on the field in Sunday’s opener against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens.
A 14-year veteran, Flacco spent his first 11 seasons with the Ravens and led them to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII. The 37-year-old Flacco is downplaying the meaning of this game, but he did say, “there’s going to be some different emotions that I haven’t experienced before with this one.”
Flacco hasn’t faced Baltimore since he was traded to Denver in 2019. He is 0-5 the past two seasons when he started at quarterback for the Jets in place of Sam Darnold and Wilson.
Robert Saleh believes in Flacco, though. During training camp, Saleh said Flacco is still a starting quarterback in the NFL. He will get the opportunity to prove it.
“He’s freakin’ awesome,” Saleh said. “I’m really excited for him and his opportunity. Even at 37, I know it’s the back of his head he’s getting the chance to play Baltimore and all these different things.”
Reed returns to practice
Starting cornerback D.J. Reed, who injured his knee in the Jets-Giants joint practice two weeks ago, returned to practice on Wednesday. He was listed as limited on the Jets’ first injury report of the season.
'Lamar' Streveler
Jets scout team quarterback Chris Streveler is playing the role of dynamic Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in practice this week. Jackson rushed for more than 1,000 yards in two of the last three seasons.
“I don’t know anyone in the league who can do it,” Saleh said, “but he’ll try.”
Two-minute drill
Two-fifths of the Jets’ starting offensive line showed up on injury report. Left tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) did not practice and right tackle George Fant (knee) was limited. Also limited were cornerback/special teams ace Justin Hardee (calf) and offensive lineman Conor McDermott (ankle).