Zach Attacks Hall of Fame Game

After six long months, there will finally be an NFL game again, as the New York Jets take on the Cleveland Browns in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night. 

With both teams understandably keeping their top starting quarterbacks out, the New York Jets will start Zach Wilson, who this time last year was expected to be their future signal caller for over a decade to come.

While consensus on the 2021 draft’s number two overall pick as a starting QB is now almost non-existent following an abysmal 2022 season, the legendary Hall of Famer taking his job offered praise for Wilson’s performance in camp. 

“Zach Wilson has played really well in camp. His fundamentals are improving. I think he’ll look back years from now & be really thankful for this time to grow, to reset, & it’s gonna set him up for a nice long career in the league.”- Aaron Rodgers#Jets
pic.twitter.com/Zvizi2mzny

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 1, 2023

It will be important for Wilson to stay ready to come in at a moment’s notice. Though Aaron Rodgers has not missed a game since the 2017 season, the health of a soon to be 40-year-old QB cannot be taken for granted.

The Hall of Fame game will serve as a brief and limited showcase for Wilson, who will look to prove he belongs on an NFL team, either as a reliable backup for the Jets or as a redeemed starter elsewhere.

Buckner Out?

When it rains, it pours in Indianapolis. In a week that saw the Colts’ top two running backs sidelined, the team’s defensive player left practice early due to a foot injury.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen says DeForest Buckner is dealing with a foot injury. Buckner left practice early.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 3, 2023

The 29-year-old defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is one of the few bright spots on an unimpressive Colts’ defense. 

Even in a “down year” in 2022, Buckner still managed eight sacks, bringing him to a total of 24.5 in his three years with the team.

In a year with a rookie quarterback and a potential ugly break up with the team’s best offensive player, former Birds OC-turned-Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen is hoping to rely on the continuity of the defense returning several key players and most of the staff. The Buckner injury adds just another level of concern. 

Baltimore Avoids Worst Case

While the Colts continue to get struck with bad news, the franchise that took their place in Baltimore can breathe a sigh of relief after an injury to one of their defensive starters.

#Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin did not suffer a tear in his knee, source said following the MRI. He’s dealing with some pain and that may take time, but structurally, it appears sound.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 3, 2023

Rock Ya-Sin had left Wednesday’s practice following an injury during one-on-ones. 

Baltimore is counting on Ya-Sin, along with several young players to step up opposite Marlon Humphrey after the exit of Marcus Peters.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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