NY Jets news: Joe Flacco starting, Duane Brown's future, OL injuries

The NY Jets will encounter one final chapter in their seemingly never-ending quarterback saga on Sunday as Joe Flacco is set to start the final game of the season against the Miami Dolphins.

The expectation was that Mike White would once again start after he returned from injury in Week 17. However, despite being listed as a full participant during Wednesday's practice, White was downgraded on Thursday and officially ruled out on Friday.

The Jets have opted to start the veteran Flacco instead of second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. Flacco started the first three games of the season for the Jets but has played just seven snaps since, all in relief of White in Week 14.

Wilson is expected to serve as Flacco's backup while the Jets could promote Chris Streveler from the practice squad for the final game as well. He would have to be added to the active roster, however, as Streveler is out of game-day elevations.

Other NY Jets news

Duane Brown uncertain about his NFL future

Veteran offensive tackle Duane Brown is set to miss the final game of the season and he remains undecided on his NFL future. The Jets signed the former All-Pro tackle to a two-year, $22 million contract this summer and he went on to start 12 games for the team this season.

Brown missed the first four games of the year but returned shortly after and has held his own at left tackle. This is despite playing the entire season with a torn rotator cuff that will require surgery in the offseason.

Brown was asked on Thursday about his plans for 2023 and if he hopes to continue playing and he was noncommittal stating, "I'll get fixed, get back to full strength, and go from there."

The five-time Pro Bowler is set to carry an $11.58 cap hit into 2023, but the Jets can cut him and save over $5 million if need be.

Jets dealing with numerous offensive line injuries

Brown isn't the only Jets offensive lineman that's been ruled out for Sunday's game. Right tackle George Fant and right guard Nate Herbig will both not be playing in Week 18.

That means the Jets will be down to their sixth and seventh options at offensive tackle and their third-string right guard. Not exactly an ideal situation for the immobile Joe Flacco.

Cedric Ogbuehi and Mike Remmers are expected to start at left and right tackle, respectively while Dan Feeney will start in place of Herbig at right guard.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif started last week in place of Herbig and is listed as questionable with a knee injury. He's the lone projected backup offensive lineman on the active roster so the Jets will likely have to elevate someone from the practice squad.