The Jets starting QB for Sunday's matchup with the Commanders remains a mystery as HC Robert Saleh told reporters Wednesday that QB Zach Wilson remains in concussion protocol and his status for Week 16 is undetermined.
If the former No. 2 selection cannot go, veteran QB Trevor Siemian, 31, will start.
"I am super grateful," said Siemian, a seven-year veteran and journeyman. "At this point in my career especially, any chance I get to play is awesome, so if it happens, I'll be ready. If not, I'm hoping Zach's coming back and he's feeling alright."
Siemian, a seventh-round selection (No. 250) in 2015 by the Broncos, signed with the Jets practice squad in Week 4 (Sept. 26) and was added to the active roster in Week 12.
The Jets made Siemian the backup to QB Tim Boyle after Wilson was benched in Week 11. And in Week 13 against Atlanta, Siemian replaced Boyle and became Wilson's backup after Wilson was named the starter for the rest of the season, barring injury. Siemian was thrusted into game action again late in the second quarter of last Sunday's 30-0 loss at Miami when Wilson sustained a concussion.
In two appearances this year, Siemian has completed 19-of-39 attempts for 176 yards and 2 interceptions. Now a few days out from the Green & White's Christmas Eve matchup with the Commanders, he's in line to make his first start of the year and his first since Week 12 of last season for Chicago, which came against the Jets.
"It's crazy, but I think that's your job [as a backup QB]," Siemian said of preparing like a starter. "You go through the whole week as if you're the starter even though you're not getting the reps, but mentally you're in it, you're trying to visualize all those things. There's nothing like getting the reps, so it's zero to 100 pretty quick, and it's a rush man. It's a lot of fun."
Siemian worked with starters for the first time in Wednesday's practice, which was a walkthrough, and told reporters he already has a better command for the offense.
"Getting the reps is great," he said. "I think the two times I've played, it's kind of been like trying to throw back in the game a little bit, so it'll be nice if I do play to get a full run at it, but it is what it is. It's a job. It's the life of a backup quarterback. I'll be ready to play if they need me and, if not, we'll go from there."
With Sunday's loss to the Dolphins coupled with wins by the Texans and Browns, the Jets were eliminated from postseason contention. Siemian shrugged off the notion that players might be less motivated to compete with no playoff hopes.
"We have plenty to play for," he said. "There's always pride, that's going from OTAs to training camp, to this is no different. Nobody loses sight. These are NFL games; these aren't exhibition matches. I can't tell you how important every single play is in these games."
