Jets' Wilson in concussion protocol, likely will sit out

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson remained in the concussion protocol Thursday and hasn’t participated in practice this week, making it more likely Trevor Siemian will start Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett certainly sounded as though he was preparing to have Siemian under center.

“We have to look at all the different things Trevor’s comfortable with that we can get going this week,” Hackett said.

Wilson was injured in the first half of the Jets’ 30-0 loss at Miami last Sunday before Siemian replaced him. Wilson, who was sacked four times, was briefly checked in the medical tent early in the game and continued to play until leaving before halftime.

The third-year quarterback’s head appeared to hit the ground on one sack, although it wasn’t clear if that was the blow that caused the injury.

Wilson’s mother Lisa posted on her Instagram story Monday night that her son “took some really, really big hits and he fought through it and really tried to just stay out on the field.” She added that he ”really started having problems with blurred vision and his depth perception” before leaving the game when NFL concussion spotters saw he was displaying symptoms.

Coach Robert Saleh said on Wednesday that Wilson appeared to be improving and he wasn’t closing the door on him being able to play. The Jets held walkthroughs on Wednesday and Thursday, so the practice participation for players is just an estimate. But typically, players who aren’t cleared of the concussion protocol by Thursday don’t play on Sunday. SEAHAWKS GET SMITH BACK >> Geno Smith is set to return at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks this week.

Smith was a full participant in practice for Seattle on Wednesday, the first step in likely returning to be the starter this Sunday at Tennessee after missing the past two games with a groin injury.

Smith was close to starting on Monday night against Philadelphia, but the

Seahawks opted to keep him out for one more game with the hope that he’ll be fully healthy for the final three weeks.

The move decision appeared to work out in Seattle’s favor after backup Drew Lock led the Seahawks to a late touchdown and a 20-17 win over the Eagles that snapped a four-game losing streak and put them in the middle of a jumbled NFC playoff race.

But it’s once again Smith’s job should he make it through the week without any setbacks.

JETS’ RODGERS LOOKING TO 2024 >> Aaron Rodgers will remain on the practice field to continue working on his return for the New York Jets — for next season.

The four-time NFL MVP was activated from the injured reserve list Wednesday, a move coach Robert Saleh said is merely the next step in Rodgers’ rehabilitation from a torn left Achilles tendon.

The Jets had until Wednesday to activate Rodgers — whose 21-day practice window began Nov. 29 — or he would revert back to IR for the rest of the season.

Instead, Rodgers will be able to participate at practice as part of New York’s 53-man roster. Players on IR can remain with the team but can’t practice.

“We’ve got the roster flexibility with all the different things that have happened over the course of the last couple of weeks,” Saleh said, referring to several other injuries suffered by Jets players. “It’s all part of his rehab and just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody. It’s a plus for him, it’s a plus for his teammates, so we’re going to keep him on the 53.”

TITANS’ LEVIS MAY PLAY >> Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis hopes to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks as he recovers from a sprained left ankle similar to the injury that cost veteran Ryan Tannehill his job as the Tennessee starter.

Levis did not practice Wednesday, and coach Mike Vrabel said Tannehill will start if the rookie can’t play.

The 33rd pick overall out of Kentucky said he’s feeling better each day and is working to be in the best shape possible to play.