New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson to Play Through Injury Against Buffalo Bills
Star wide receiver determined to help struggling Jets secure a crucial win
By Staff Writer
Nov 17, 2023, 03:28 PM ET
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is set to take the field against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, despite nursing an injured right elbow. Wilson’s determination to play through the pain showcases his commitment to the team’s success.
“It’s doing better,” Wilson assured reporters after Friday’s practice. “I’m feeling good, so we’re going to rock this weekend.”
However, Wilson acknowledged that the injury will limit his performance. Despite this setback, he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the team’s efforts.
“Yeah, but we’ll get it done,” Wilson said, referring to his injury. The wide receiver has been listed as questionable after participating in limited practice sessions throughout the week.
Wilson sustained the injury during last week’s 16-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Remarkably, he returned to the game and finished with an impressive nine catches for 93 yards.
During the game, Wilson was even called upon to execute a trick play—a wide receiver pass—despite receiving medical attention for his elbow. Unfortunately, the injury affected his throw, resulting in an incomplete pass.
“I’m not going to fake it,” Wilson admitted with a smile. “I wish I could’ve thrown that thing because that was a touchdown.”
The upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills holds significant importance for the Jets (4-5), who have suffered two consecutive losses. Wilson’s presence on the field is crucial, as he leads the team with 55 catches for 642 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for 35% of their receiving yardage.
Among the Jets’ roster, only Wilson and running back Breece Hall have scored more than one touchdown this season. As a team, the Jets have only managed to score eight touchdowns, the lowest in the league.
Head coach Robert Saleh remained uncertain about Wilson’s availability for Sunday, stating that “everything is positive,” but there are still a few hurdles to overcome.
“He’s been awesome and he’s working through it, but there are still some things that he’s not 100 percent comfortable with,” Saleh explained. “He’s been working tirelessly to alleviate the pain, and we’ll continue to support him in his recovery.”
Wilson, who was named the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, played a pivotal role behind the scenes this week. He was one of the driving forces behind a players-only meeting aimed at addressing the team’s offensive struggles.
“It was good to see us talking to each other,” Wilson expressed. “I believe it instills confidence in holding each other accountable for the things we discussed during the meeting. The same goes for me; they’re holding me accountable for everything I talked about. And that’s how it should be.”