06 December 2023 , 14:30
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Chaos reigns in the New York Jets quarterback room, with a ruthless decision made amid reports of Zach Wilson's supposed reluctance to play and Aaron Rodgers' looming comeback.
The Jets have released Tim Boyle, who started under center the past two games in place of former number-two overall pick Wilson. Wilson had struggled since having to replace Rodgers in the lineup when he ruptured his Achilles during the opening game of the season and the 24-year-old was dropped from the starting role last month.
Seven-year NFL veteran Boyle, a journeyman backup with stops at the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears before joining the Jets in the summer, threw four interceptions and just one touchdown in his three appearances since replacing Wilson midway through the November 19 blowout defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Boyle was hooked from Sunday's 13-8 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter, with the offense mustering just six points with the 29-year-old at the helm. He threw for 148 yards and an interception before being replaced by Trevor Siemian for the closing stages of the game as the Jets tried – and failed – to make a comeback.
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After the game, head coach Robert Saleh spoke with uncertainty over Boyle's place with the team moving forward and the Jets waived the quarterback on Tuesday, signing another QB in the shape of Brett Rypien from the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad.
Boyle's time with the Jets will be remembered for his part in the infamous "Fail Mary" play in the defeat to the Miami Dolphins in the inaugural Black Friday game. With just a few seconds left on the clock before the half, the Jets dialled up a Hail Mary from inside their own territory.
But Boyle's pass failed to reach the endzone, with Dolphins safety Jevon Holland snaffling the interception at the one-yard line and returning it 99 yards for a touchdown, putting Miami 17-6 ahead before running out 34-13 winners. It was a moment that symbolised a miserable season for the Jets that has spiralled out of control.
The Jets have signed Brett Rypien from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. (John Fisher/Getty Images)Rypien, 27, played two games for the Los Angeles Rams earlier this year when Matthew Stafford suffered a thumb injury before being cut and signed by the Seahawks. He is likely to slot in third on the Jets' QB depth chart amid a chaotic week for the franchise, with the team considering making Wilson the starter again for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium.
However, The Athletic reported earlier this week that he is "reluctant" to return to the starting role due to injury fears and frustrations over how he has been managed by the organization. Saleh denied the claim in a press conference, while Rodgers – who has indicated he could return to the field for the Christmas Eve clash with the Washington Commanders, slammed the report in his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
"When you use sources, and whether intentional or unintentional, try to assassinate someone's character, like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that," Rodgers said. "I mean, you're basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn't want to play and has given the middle finger to the organisation."
The Jets (4-8) are yet to confirm their quarterback plans for Sunday's game. Wilson appears to be the preferred choice, even if he may not be enamoured by the idea.