Jets will be ready for Russell Wilson or Brett Rypien when they face Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
FLORHAM PARK — The Jets will be doing their homework on Russell Wilson’s backup just in case the Broncos’ quarterback is unable to play Sunday.
Wilson hurt his hamstring in Monday’s loss to the Chargers. He said he’s “feeling better” and he hopes to play. If not, Brett Rypien is his backup.
“We’ll know about both quarterbacks,” Robert Saleh said. “With Russell and the so many games we’ve had against him and trying to learn their backups.”
Josh Johnson, who with the Jets last year, would be called up from the practice squad if Wilson can’t play. The Jets coaching staff knows Johnson well. He appeared in three games for the Jets last season.
Denver coach Nathanial Hackett said Wilson will do “everything he can to possibly get on the field.”
Rypien has only played in four NFL games. His lone start was a win over the Jets in 2020.
The Broncos (2-4) have struggled scoring this season. They’re last in the NFL in points (15.2) and have gotten in the end zone just twice in the last three games. Saleh believes they’re dangerous regardless who the quarterback is.
“I think they’re doing a really nice job schematically and whether people want to hear it or not, they’re really freakin’ close to clicking,” Saleh said. “So, we’ll be ready for all of them.”
Mims’ future
The trade deadline is less than two weeks away (Nov. 1), which means Denzel Mims’ days as a Jet could be numbered. Mims requested a trade before the season. The Jets would move him if they get some value back. Mims has been inactive every game thus far.
“It is hard in his shoes,” Saleh said. “But right now the other guys are playing good football. You can only dress five and there’s a special teams value. The reason why Denzel’s here is because we still have a lot of faith in him. He needs to continue working and be ready when his number’s called.”
Two-minute drill
Quinnen Williams became the first Jets’ lineman to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week since Kris Jenkins in 2008 … Defensive end Jermaine Johnson (ankle) likely will miss his second-straight game. Saleh said Johnson is improving and he hopes he returns next week. … Duane Brown (shoulder), Quincy Williams (ankle), Braxton Berrios (back) and Ashtyn Davis (hamstring) were limited.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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