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AROUND THE SHIELD — The New York Jets are adding another veteran quarterback after the devastating Achilles' injury to Aaron Rodgers just four snaps into the 2023 season.
But head coach Robert Saleh insists there is no quarterback controversy in the Big Apple.
The Jets signed six-year NFL veteran Trevor Siemian to the practice squad this week, but Saleh reiterated that former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is still the "unquestioned" starter.
"He's our unquestioned quarterback," Saleh told reporters Monday after his team's 15-10 loss to the Patriots. "As long as he continues to show the way his preparation, the way he's been practicing and even in these games — he's not the reason why we lost yesterday. It's always a team effort. As long as he continues to show improvement — and I know from a box score standpoint it's not showing — he's going to be our quarterback."
Wilson completed 52.4% of his passes for 467 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions during the team's 1-2 start, with the only win coming on a walk-off punt return in overtime. But he also didn't commit a turnover during an 18-of-36 passing game with 157 yards last weekend, Saleh was quick to point out.
"He's much more confident, he's much more accurate," Saleh said. "He's got much more command in the huddle, he looks better in the pocket."
In Siemian, the Jets bring in a six-year quarterback with 30 games of experience, having thrown for 7,027 yards, 42 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. The former seventh-round pick out of Northwestern played his first three seasons with the Denver Broncos, going 13-11 as a starter before backing up Sam Darnold with the Jets in 2019.
Siemian most recently signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in March, but was released Aug. 29.
The Jets also received a request from former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to add the polarizing signal caller to the practice squad, according to letter released by rapper and producer J. Cole on Instagram. But the organization apparently passed on the offer.
Me getting scooped off the psquad to the Chargers. #BoltUppic.twitter.com/u0G0jJ8UpM
— Simi Fehoko (@Simi_Fehoko) September 26, 2023
Fehoko heads back to the West Coast
Former Brighton High receiver Simi Fehoko was added to the Los Angeles Chargers' 53-man roster Tuesday after placing Mike Williams on injured reserve with a torn ACL.
The Utah state record holder for career receiving yards (3,571) and touchdowns (41) heads to LA from the Steelers practice squad, where he signed in late August. Prior to that, the former Dallas fifth-round pick spent training camp and all three games of the preseason with the Cowboys, hauling in eight passes for 55 yards in three games and also contributing on special teams.
In Los Angeles, Fehoko reunites with former Boise State quarterback and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was also Fehoko's offensive coordinator with the Cowboys for two years.
KVN, back again
The Ravens added former BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy to the practice squad Wednesday, immediately making the two-time Super Bowl champion available in practice after recent discussions.
Van Noy visited the Ravens in July, but the free agent pass rusher did not sign. When injuries to Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, Tyus Bowser and rookie Malik Hamm began mounting on defense, the team brought him back to Baltimore Tuesday before finalizing terms of his deal.
The 32-year-old pass rusher spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he compiled 46 tackles, five sacks, three passes defended and nine quarterback hits in 13 starts. With the Ravens' practice squad, Van Noy is automatically eligible to be called up to the 53-man roster three times before he must sign a full contract.
Speaking of practice squad additions ...
😂😂😂 this got people lined up to sign me! Thanks P!! https://t.co/vuxaxDPCOn
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) September 27, 2023
Dirty Dan back in the Big Easy
Former BYU safety Daniel Sorensen is reportedly signing with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad, as first reported by TheScore's Jordan Schultz.
Sorensen signed with the Saints last year after eight years in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played primarily on special teams. But he also totaled 25 tackles and two interceptions in 164 snaps at safety, making him a valuable depth piece for an organization still without Marcus Maye (three-game suspension).
