For a New York minute, Mike White was a headline-grabbing, game-winning star.
A media darling, a fan frenzy, an underdog hero who lifted the New York Jets to a victory, however extra so, White gave the Gang Green trustworthy one thing to smile about in one other head-shaking season.
It was a flash of fine fortune that was shortly expunged on Thursday night time, as White’s supernova-esque introduction into the NFL highlight hit an abrupt cease.
Following a first-quarter landing cross to Elijah Moore towards the Indianapolis Colts, White exited the sport with a proper forearm damage, later stating that the center fingers on his throwing hand went numb however that he’ll be able to return to motion when wanted.
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White, who took over two weeks prior for rookie starter Zach Wilson, was listed as questionable, however by no means returned as Josh Johnson took over at quarterback to start the second quarter of an eventual 45-30 Jets loss that dropped New York to 2-6.javascript:falseMike White locates wide-open Elijah Moore for 19-yard TD
Jets head coach Robert Saleh mentioned after the sport that White could not grip the soccer. As the sport went on, roughly on the halfway level of the fourth stanza, Saleh mentioned White’s capability to grip was returning nevertheless it was too late to reinsert him.
“We feel good about him getting healthy over the weekend and being ready next week,” Saleh mentioned.
While Saleh prognosticates a return subsequent week for White, the fourth-year QB was doing his finest to get again into the sport Thursday.
“I kinda just felt it lock up on me,” mentioned White. “Throughout the course of the sport, we tried every part.
“It progressively got better throughout the game and it feels better now.”
Prior to throwing the landing to Moore, White’s arm was hit by a Colts defender whereas throwing. After the TD, White was seen on the sideline experiencing bother gripping the ball and headed into the blue medical tent.
White made his first NFL begin in Week 8 and led the Jets to an upset of the Cincinnati Bengals on the power of a 405-yard, three-touchdown efficiency that additionally received him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Prior to leaving Thursday night time, White accomplished 7 of 11 passes for 95 yards and the 19-yard landing.
If there’s extra in retailer for White, he’ll be able to go.
“It’s not some season-ending injury,” White mentioned. “We’ll be fine and I’ll be able to play again if my number’s called.”
Johnson completed the sport 27 for 41 for 317 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
“Josh, I thought he did an awesome job, coming in,” Saleh mentioned. “Ran the offense exactly how it’s supposed to be run. Hitting the open receivers, moving the chains.”javascript:falseJosh Johnson fires 13-yard TD up the seam to Ryan Griffin
Johnson had three touchdowns in lower than a full sport, whereas White has 5 touchdowns in lower than three full video games and Wilson has 4 TDs in six video games. Joe Flacco, who the Jets traded for following Wilson’s damage, was inactive forward of the sport as Saleh mentioned he did not be part of the crew till Friday and hasn’t had a full week of follow.
Going ahead, Saleh mentioned he anticipates Wilson, who suffered a knee damage in Week 6 that was anticipated to sideline him two to 4 weeks, returning to follow this week.
“He’s progressing exactly like we thought,” Saleh mentioned. “So, there’s hope, like I said, it’s the same thing, at the very least practice next week. And then we’ll see how he progresses over the weekend to see if it’s an option to get him on the field.”
So, if Wilson is able to go, will he begin in Week 10?
“We’ll see,” Saleh mentioned. “Day to day.”
The White-hot mania got here to an early finish on Thursday night time and it is unsure if he’ll have one other likelihood to ship within the coming weeks, or when Wilson, the No. 2 total decide of the 2021 NFL Draft, will return to his beginning function.
On Thursday night time, Wilson began the sport on the sidelines, White ultimately joined him there and the much-traveled Johnson carried out splendidly, nevertheless it all added as much as a loss and one other reminder that most of the time, the Jets simply cannot have good issues.
