NY Jets news: Jets WR coach suspended, Robert Saleh backs Zach Wilson
By Justin Fried
![NY Jets, Zach Wilson NY Jets, Zach Wilson](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4273,h_2403,x_0,y_443/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/30/01gn1gvcm2stetqd4ej6.jpg)
The NY Jets are coming off a disappointing 19-3 loss at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football, their fourth consecutive defeat. And they were hit with a bit of extra bad news on Friday.
The Jets were without wide receivers coach Miles Austin for Thursday's matchup as the team announced prior to the game that the former NFL wideout would be unable to coach. Offensive assistant coach Mack Brown assumed his game-day duties.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that Austin was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's gambling policy. Austin is appealing the suspension which is an indefinite one with a minimum of one year.
The former Pro Bowl wide receiver reportedly didn't gamble on any NFL games. Instead, Austin participated in table games and bet on "non-NFL professional sports," according to his agent.
However, NFL coaches and personnel are prohibited from betting on any sport, NFL or not. Players, on the other hand, are permitted to bet on other sports, for whatever reason.
Austin has been the Jets' wide receivers coach on each of the last two seasons and previously served as an offensive quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers.
Other NY Jets news
Robert Saleh shows support for Zach Wilson...sort of
Jets head coach Robert Saleh was expectedly greeted with his fair share of Zach Wilson questions when he spoke to the media on Friday — one day after benching the former No. 2 overall pick for 27-year-old practice squad QB Chris Streveler.
When asked if Wilson was still the QB of the future, Saleh answered with a politically correct "we support all of our players" response.
"We're not going to quit on anybody. I have confidence in all of our guys."
- Robert Saleh
Saleh told reporters that Wilson's biggest issue right now is a lack of confidence and that they still believe in him as a player and person. But while Saleh may say all the right things during these press conferences, his actions speak louder.
The Jets just benched Wilson for a journeyman practice squad quarterback who can barely throw a 30-yard pass with their season on the line. Whatever trust and belief they still had in Wilson was gone the moment that happened.
The Jets may not verbally quit on Zach Wilson, but they've mentally moved on at this point. They're looking toward the future.
No update on Mike White injury
Saleh was also asked if the Jets had any update on the status of Mike White who missed his second consecutive game due to a ribs injury on Thursday. Unfortunately, there was no update to be provided.
Saleh also didn't indicate whether White would become the starter once again if he was cleared to return, although most believe that to be a formality at this point. If White is healthy, he's going to play. Wilson's performance on Thursday night solidified that notion
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The Jets will await further word on White's status as the days goes on and we inch closer to Week 17.