Garrett Wilson #5 of the New York Jets walks across the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
The New York Jets don’t have many foundational players after their trade deadline fire sale, but star wide receiver Garrett Wilson is certainly one of them.
The former Ohio State standout has been one of the Jets’ lone offensive bright spots since being drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2022.
With the likes of Zach Wilson, Mike White, Tim Boyle, and Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football, Wilson has managed to amass 1000 receiving yards in his first three seasons, something never before seen in franchise history.
Unfortunately, thanks to injuries, Wilson is unlikely to reach that clip in 2025.
Before tweaking his knee in a Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos, the star wideout was on pace for 102 receptions, 1119 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
He tried to make a return in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, but reaggravated the same knee and has now been placed on injured reserve, knocking him out at least the next four games.
Could Wilson make a return in 2025? Or should the Jets put their best offensive player on ice for the remainder of a lost season?
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was asked at his Friday press conference if Wilson will return this season from injured reserve.
“I do, I do, but again, a lot of that has to do with the docs, and him being on this short-term IR, obviously, he gets to come back after four games,” Glenn told the press.
“Hopefully, he’ll be back with us.”
A four-game stint on injured reserve would place a potential Wilson return around Week 15, when the Jets travel to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson’s return would certainly provide a boost for New York’s offense, as their passing game is not as consistent when their star wideout is off the field.
But it’s fair to question if the risk is worth the reward when talking about Wilson’s knee.
With the New York Jets at 2-8, and who knows what their record will be by Week 15, should they just allow Wilson to take the rest of the year off?
If the Jets were vying for a playoff spot, it’s likely their WR1 would’ve been pushing to play and help his team to compete.
But with the season all but over, the risk may be too high for their only “untouchable” player at the trade deadline.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported during the Jets’ trade deadline that Wilson was the only player who was off the table in trade talks with other teams.
“Spoke to a team that called the #Jets recently about WR Garrett Wilson. With Sauce Gardner dealt, feeling around the NFL is anyone can be had,” Hughes wrote on X.
Spoke to a team that called the #Jets recently about WR Garrett Wilson. With Sauce Gardner dealt, feeling around the NFL is anyone can be had.
Not the case with Wilson. Conversations did not progress. He’s untouchable.
“Not the case with Wilson. Conversations did not progress. He’s untouchable.”
With his health in mind, it’s the wisest decision to shut down Wilson and ensure his health for the start of the 2026 season.
After all, the Jets are likely to have a rookie quarterback under center, and what better way to acclimate him to the NFL than by giving him a No. 1 target?
The NFC South is chaotic, and both the Falcons and the Panthers enter this matchup in full must-win mode to keep their seasons alive. These teams know each other well, and the outcome will come down to which version of the Panthers shows up. Fantasy managers, however, can count on a few players delivering in this divisional battle.
Michael Penix Jr. — QB, Falcons
Penix has thrown 4 touchdowns over his last two games, and his confidence is trending up. Carolina’s secondary has been inconsistent, and Atlanta should give him volume in a must-win situation.
Projection: 220+ yards and at least one score.
If he continues using Kyle Pitts, the offense becomes even more dangerous.
Bijan Robinson — RB, Falcons
The Panthers have been atrocious against the run
in the last three weeks, giving up chunk gains and red-zone lanes to even mediocre backfields. Bijan is set up for a monster fantasy day.
Projection: 100+ total yards, strong TD chance.
Drake London — WR, Falcons
London erupted last week versus the Colts and now draws another physically gifted corner in a matchup that should be great theatre. He’s trending like a weekly WR1.
Projection: 80+ yards and a touchdown.
Panthers rule out Trevin Wallace; Rico Dowdle is set to play – Josh Alter via Yahoo Sports
Rico Dowdle — RB, Panthers
Carolina finally leaned into the hot hand, and Dowdle rewarded them. He runs hard, finishes through contact, and has a legitimate shot at a score in this matchup.
Projection: 60–80 total yards with red-zone upside.
Tet McMillian — WR, Panthers
Tet is coming into his own—tall, athletic, and showing flashes similar to Drake London’s early development. Young needs to find him more near the goal line, and this could be the week it happens.
Projection: 50–70 yards with scoring potential.
He’s probably sitting on benches everywhere, but the usage says he shouldn’t be. Pitts continues to draw
Projection: 70+ yards.
Why Tyler Allgeier is Falcons’ quiet superstar on offense – Terrin Weack via atlantafalcons.com
Allgeier is the definition of a risky flex, but after punching in two scores last week and with Carolina struggling so badly against the run, he’s worth consideration in bye-week or injury crunches.
Projection: TD-dependent RB3.
Darnell Mooney — WR, Panthers
The targets are there, but the production is not. Mooney continues to underperform and remains low-ceiling even in favorable scripts. Carolina should start funneling more looks toward Pitts-type mismatches, not Mooney.
Verdict: Sit.
Xavier Legette — WR, Panthers
Legette’s year has been derailed by injuries and poor separation. Being the WR2 in this offense should help, but inconsistent QB play has tanked his weekly value.
Verdict: Sit unless in a very deep league.
Bryce Young — QB, Panthers
There’s still talent, but right now there are too many question marks around Young’s development and decision-making. He’s best left on the bench until further notice.
Verdict: Sit in all 1-QB leagues.