NFL: Jets coach Robert Saleh is ‘torn’ over playing starters preseason MNF

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is facing the same dilemma as many coaches during the preseason, and that is deciding how much to play his starters.

‘I’m torn on it, I wake up one day and I’m like, “OK, they’re going to play,”‘ Saleh said following Saturday’s joint practice with the Falcons. 

‘The next day I wake up and they’re not going to play.’

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh walks sideline before preseason game against Eagles

Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley was held out of action against the Eagles to avoid injury

Every team must way the difference between getting players ready with game reps, while also not getting players hurt in meaningless games.

The Jets starters played only two series against the Philadelphia Eagles, and quarterback Joe Flacco didn’t play in the game at all.

The 37-year-old Flacco is set to be the starter until further notice while Zach Wilson recovers from surgery. Mehki Becton was also notably bit by the injury bug after suffering a season-ending patella injury that will also require surgery. 

‘He (Flacco) doesn’t need it, but I feel like everybody can use it as a reminder of how to get yourself prepared and making sure every game is just a normal game,’ said Saleh.

Joe Flacco throws pass during Jets training camp practice in Florham Park, New Jersey 

Last year the Jets also suffered two major preseason injuries when they lost defensive end Carl Lawson to a season-ending Achilles injury during joint practices with the Packers and linebacker Jarrad Davis to an ankle injury during the game against Green Bay, that cost him the first two months of the season.

‘It was like bloodshed,’ Saleh said, recalling the trip to Green Bay.

The Jets also battled a boatload of injuries during the regular season which likely feed into Saleh wanting to be cautious. Linebackers C.J. Mosley and offensive tackle George Fant were actually held out of the game against Eagles to avoid injury.

While Saleh debates over who will and won’t play against the Falcons on Monday night, he must also consider the fact that NFL starters typically do not play in the final preseason game.

Not facing live action for what would amount to three weeks by the time the regular season starts could be risky, even riskier for the players like Mosley, Flacco and Fant who would not have seen any live action the entire preseason. 

Jets starting QB Zach Wilson is out for at least 3-4 weeks after undergoing knee surgery