Jets to start Wilson vs. Lions with White not cleared due to rib injury

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson will return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Detroit Lions after team doctors did not clear Mike White for contact, head coach Robert Saleh announced Friday.

White was hospitalized as a precaution after twice exiting last Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills with a rib injury. He was able to return to the game both times, and Saleh said Monday that the team was preparing for White to suit up in Week 15.

Saleh said White was an "absolute warrior" who "exhausted every measure" to be able to play but that the team needed to protect him from himself.

New York benched Wilson for White after the former No. 2 overall pick struggled in the first half of the season.

"This is going to be a great opportunity for Zach," said Saleh. "... We feel very comfortable about Zach's preparation as the first-string quarterback and that he's gotten his normal workload as a starting quarterback would normally get."

The AFC East club elevated Wilson to the No. 2 job ahead of Joe Flacco on Wednesday.

Wilson has thrown for 1,279 yards and four touchdowns against five interceptions in seven starts this year while completing just over 55% of his passes. He had similar struggles as a rookie, finishing with 2,334 yards and nine scores against 11 picks in 13 starts.

White has thrown for 952 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions in three appearances.

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