Jets' Aaron Glenn won't address Garrett Wilson's status in combative news conference
The Jets' Garrett Wilson looks on during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 9. Credit: Jim McIsaac
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Garrett Wilson’s health was a topic of conversation on Tuesday, but no one wanted to talk about it.
Not Wilson and certainly not Jets coach Aaron Glenn.
Wilson reinjured his knee in the Jets’ win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. He is expected to miss Thursday night’s game against the Patriots. Wilson has not participated in the Jets’ two walk-throughs this week, according to the injury report.
The Jets star receiver, who missed the two games prior to Sunday with a knee injury, was walking around the locker room Tuesday without a limp. He said he’s “feeling good” and “I’ll be all right.” When Wilson was asked about an ESPN report that he would miss 3-4 weeks, he directed that question to Glenn.
“You all got to ask Coach, bro,” Wilson said. “You all got to ask Coach.”
Glenn spoke before practice and would not address Wilson’s status.
On Monday, Glenn said that Wilson was still being evaluated and was undergoing an MRI. Glenn opened up his Tuesday news conference by saying he is going to “pass on talking about injuries” and directed questions to the writer who reported that Wilson had a knee sprain and could miss up to a month.
Toward the end of the news conference, Glenn was asked if Wilson was a candidate to be placed on injured reserve – which would sideline him for at least four games. Glenn once again said to ask the reporter. Glenn was pressed further and kept deflecting the question, telling media members to get the information from the reporter.
“You guys have been hearing from me,” Glenn said, “but now since we're just reporting stuff that I haven't said, maybe you should ask him.”
In July, Glenn admonished the media after Justin Fields was taken off the field during the second practice of training camp. It blew up on social media. Fields ended up suffering a dislocated toe and returned the following week. Glenn implored the media not to jump to conclusions about injuries.
“The huge storm that was created really made no sense,” Glenn said at the time. “I think that's a lesson for all of us, let's just wait until we get the diagnosis. I will not [lie to] you. I will tell you exactly what it is and we’ll move on.”
Glenn refused to provide updates on Wilson on Tuesday. It isn’t the first time the Jets’ first-year coach has been combative with reporters covering the team. He refuses to name his starting quarterback each week, which has led to some contentious exchanges.
During his Monday news conference, Glenn said, “Please don't ask me anything about the quarterbacks. You know I'm not going to tell you, and I don't want to waste my time when it comes to that, when it comes to who's starting.”
Fields has helped the Jets to two straight wins after they dropped their first seven games. Fields played well in the Jets’ win over the Bengals in Week 8, but is coming off a clunker.
He completed 6 of 11 passes for 54 yards against Cleveland. It was the third time in his last four starts that Fields threw for less than 55 yards.
If the Jets are without Wilson, as expected, it will be even tougher for them to upset New England and secure their third straight win. The Patriots (8-2) are a top-10 offense and defense.
Wilson has been the Jets’ most consistent playmaker, and their only true threat at receiver. He caught 36 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns through the first six games. Wilson didn’t catch a pass last game for the first time in his career.
Fields, who was Wilson’s teammate at Ohio State, is disappointed he hasn’t been able to play with Wilson as much with the Jets.
“It’s tough but it is what it is,” Fields said. “It’s kind of like Cincy week. There’s going to be guys that have opportunities to go make plays. It’s definitely tough when one of your best guys on offense is out but it’s an opportunity for some other guys to come in and replace him.”
Two-minute drill
Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (foot) didn’t practice and was seen in a walking boot . . . The Jets signed former Seahawks and Rams defensive back Tre Brown to the practice squad and released defensive back JT Woods.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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