Loading. Please wait.
Loading. Please wait.
Here at Denville Medical, our commitment is to you and your health. We are committed to improving your quality of life by effective treatment and therapy, catered specifically to your needs. Unlike some of our competition, we take a team approach to your treatment plan working together as a unit to provide the best possible care for our patients.
It's easy to start your healing journey at Denville Medical. It all starts when you contact our office to make an appointment. From there, we set you on a course to recovery through a three-step process:
Meet the Doctor: During your initial doctor consultation, we will talk at length about what challenges you're currently facing. From there, we will speak about your goals and what you want to accomplish together. The first conversation with your doctor is crucial and lays the groundwork for a life-changing experience at Denville Medical.
Craft a Customized Treatment Plan for Your Recovery: Some medical and rehabilitation centers in New Jersey apply the same treatments to all patients, regardless of their needs and goals. At Denville Medical, we don't subscribe to the "one size fits all" model. Instead, we rely on our seasoned team of doctors and physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and specialists to find the right solution to your unique situation.
Start Feeling the Relief: Our hard work and commitment to recovery will pay off through our personalized work together. With the help of our skilled doctors and chiropractors, you can finally start living the life you want to live - all on your own terms.
At Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center, we are proud to provide holistic and wellness care that changes lives. Whether your body needs Chiropractor, physical therapy, acupuncture, or needs to see a specialist, we can help.
Here are just a few of the customized therapy services we offer to help our patients live with passion and confidence:
At Denville Medical, your licensed physical therapist's goal is to maximize your body's structure and increase its overall function for long-term health. To accomplish this, our physical therapists combine traditional and innovative techniques focused on increasing muscle strength and improving the body's range of motion. Our goal is to discover the root cause of your pain or mobility problems. That way, we can address the true reason why you need physical therapy, and work towards achieving long-lasting relief.
Of course, we understand that every patient is different. Your doctor can provide expert care in an encouraging environment by creating a customized treatment plan for you using modern, evidence-based research.
Chiropractor is a common service offered at Denville Medical, often combined with our physical therapy, sports medicine, and acupuncture treatments. When delivering a whole wellness and body approach, chiropractic treatments generally focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Our chiropractor's primary focus is to aid in adjusting your body's proper structure by improving nerve function and removing imbalances.
Our goal is to work together as a team to get you maximum medical improvement. To determine which chiropractic techniques and treatments are suitable for you, our chiropractors will conduct an initial evaluation to dig deep into your medical history, previous treatments, diagnostic tests, and current conditions. During your first consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have. Once we agree on your customized chiropractic program, we will begin treatment as soon as possible.
Our patients typically feel relief during their initial visit. Although a reduction in pain is not an indication that the condition is gone, relief is the first step. As the chiropractor adjusts and manipulates your spine and joints, many feel a sense of relief as circulation is restored. A number of our patients admit to experiencing an increased range of motion after their first visit and increased function as they continue their care.
A single migraine can ruin your entire day. Migraines stem from irregular muscle contractions in the neck and head area. Anything from loud music to a bright computer screen can trigger these painful headaches. Fortunately, your chiropractor may be able to help provide an escape from the pain without surgery or drugs. Migraine symptoms include:
After speaking with your Doctor of Chiropractic, he or she may recommend treatments like trigger point therapy, which is a neuromuscular massage. Trigger point therapy boosts blood flow and releases pressure from compressed nerves in your body.
Whether you work in an office 40 hours a week or have to lift heavy items in a warehouse, neck pain is common across all people and professions. Neck pain is debilitating and can be caused by a range of issues like poor posture, work injuries, and harmful sleeping positions. These issues often strain your neck muscles. If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be time to consult with a chiropractor:
Chiropractor helps by relieving nerve and disc pressure. These nerves and discs are located between your vertebrae. After identifying the underlying cause of your pain, your chiropractor may use a combination of treatments to provide relief.
Have you been suffering from sharp pain that shoots down your back to your lower legs? If so, you might have sciatica. Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Sciatic pain begins when your sciatic nerve is pinched or trapped, or you have underlying conditions like spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. Symptoms of Sciatica often include:
Proper Chiropractor can relieve your pain in a gentle, natural way. Since your pain is unique, your treatment plan should be too. Therapies include ultrasounds to reduce swelling, cold therapies to minimize inflammation, and adjustments to restore your vertebrae's alignment.
Joint pain from conditions like Arthritis can strip the joy out of simple activities that we enjoy every day. Fortunately, if you're looking for a non-invasive way to ease joint pain, your chiropractor may be able to help. Great Chiropractor will maximize the functionality of your joints with techniques like ultrasounds, cold laser therapies, and joint manipulation. Usually caused by various forms of Arthritis, age, and injuries, symptoms of joint pain include:
If joint pain affects your daily life, contact a licensed chiropractor to begin treatment ASAP. Your chiropractor will develop a customized plan around your pain to address the root cause of your discomfort.
Our hips serve many functions, from bearing weight to running. Since they're engaged in just about every way we move, hip problems can have serious consequences. Like neck pain, hip pain is very common – so much so that more than 58% of Americans are living with it, according to the CDC. Hip problems are usually caused by injuries or osteoarthritis, though normal wear and tear over time is also a contributing factor. If you notice any of these symptoms, an appointment with a chiropractor may be in order:
Since any joint in the body can be misaligned, like your hip joint, working with a chiropractor could be best for long-term relief. Any joint in the body can be out of alignment, including the hip joint, and it can cause severe pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Treatments in your personalized plan may include chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercise therapy.
Your spine comprises a litany of moving parts that must work together for healthy mobility. Spinal discs are just one of these parts, which act as cushions between your vertebrae. When you have a herniated disc, the bones in your spine grind against each other, causing intense pain. Also called a slipped disc, this back problem is very common and can be caused by wear and tear with age or traumatic events like car accidents. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of a herniated disc:
After your chiropractor evaluates your spine for overall functionality, they will develop a personalized treatment plan for ongoing care. Common treatments for herniated discs include spinal manipulation techniques like flexion-distraction and therapeutic exercises.
At Denville Medical, we aim to serve you with long-lasting quality of life through personalized chiropractic treatments in New Jersey. The path to a pain-free life begins with a customized treatment plan tailored to your body and needs. We start with your first evaluation, where our experts dig deep into your medical history, current condition, your overall health goals and perform diagnostic tests. From there, we'll create your plan and help you hit your milestones every step of the way until your quality of life is improved.
If you're sick and tired of living with painful limitations, we're here to help you break free. No surgery. No addictive medicine. Only comprehensive Chiropractor, crafted with health and happiness in mind.
Answer : While some chiropractors rely on outdated techniques to treat patients, our team uses a combination of tried-and-true methods and modern strategies, including:
Answer : During your first visit with our physical therapist, we will complete a series of tests and screenings to establish a baseline for your care. You can expect to complete stability screenings, strength tests, and computerized range of motion tests. These tests ensure your doctor understands how your muscles are functioning. Once complete, your therapist will create a custom treatment plan for your physical therapy, so we can move forward with your care. During your time at Denville Medical, you should expect adjustments to your treatment plan as you make progress.
Answer : We get this question a lot, and we can certainly understand why. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an exact answer because every patient has different needs relating to their injuries and issues. Your level of stability and functionality depends on your condition, your goals, and your motivation to heal. For acute pain, patients typically experience relief in 2-3 weeks. Patients with forms of chronic pain usually feel optimal results after their first full course of therapy (4-6 weeks). Since our goal is to achieve maximum medical improvement, our doctors continuously monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
If we could offer you one piece of advice, it would be not to settle for mediocre medical treatment and therapeutic options. If you're looking for a team of doctors and therapists who work together and take an interdisciplinary approach to healing, Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation is here for you. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your chiropractic goals and live your life, pain-free.
973-627-7888
Florham Park, N.J. — Zach Wilson was back under center for the New York Jets, taking snaps and preparing to start for the first time this season."It's the happiest I've been in a month," the second-year quarterback said with a big smile Wednesday.Coach Robert Saleh announced Wilson will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday "if all goes well this week" at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery."Absolutely, yeah," Saleh said.Wilson had been ramping up workouts in r...
Florham Park, N.J. — Zach Wilson was back under center for the New York Jets, taking snaps and preparing to start for the first time this season.
"It's the happiest I've been in a month," the second-year quarterback said with a big smile Wednesday.
Coach Robert Saleh announced Wilson will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday "if all goes well this week" at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery.
"Absolutely, yeah," Saleh said.
Wilson had been ramping up workouts in recent weeks, but Saleh said Monday the Jets were waiting for the quarterback's doctors to clear him before making a decision about this week. Wilson was able to fully practice Wednesday as New York prepares for its game at Pittsburgh.
"I'm 100%," Wilson said. "I'm ready to go."
Wilson said he won't play with a brace or sleeve on his right knee, and insists he won't be thinking about it while he's out on the field. He also doesn't anticipate changing how he plays despite being injured in the preseason opener at Philadelphia on Aug. 12 because he was perhaps a bit too aggressive while trying to gain extra yards on a run.
"I'm full go and I'm going to be playing ball how I can," Wilson said. "If somebody comes up, make somebody miss. Get out on the edge, extend plays when I need to."
Wilson joked that he had the team's strength coach chase him around the field during practice to try to simulate the pocket breaking down and trying to avoid a pass rush.
"It's really just exciting for him to get back on the football field — it's been six weeks," Saleh said. "There's a lot of different things that have to go around in terms of making sure that we run an efficient offense. From us as coaches to the O-line to receivers running routes — everyone's involved."
Joe Flacco started the first three games of the season, during which the Jets went 1-2 — including a stunning victory at Cleveland two weeks ago when they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final 1:55.
But New York has struggled with consistency on offense and has held a lead for just 22 seconds — the final moments of the win against the Browns.
"It is exciting to get him back out there, but at the same time, it's not all about Zach," Saleh said. "It's making sure that we're executing on all cylinders, as we should every week."
Wilson suffered a bone bruise in the preseason opener against Philadelphia on Aug. 12 and needed arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He was initially expected to miss two to four weeks, but the Jets insisted they wouldn't rush Wilson back to the field.
"It's frustrating, but I think everyone kind of deals with injuries," Wilson said. "It's kind of how you handle it, how you get back and how you prepare yourself to come back and still play well with missing some time."
Saleh insisted there wasn't any added concern about bringing Wilson back while the Jets deal with questions on the offensive line. Starting left tackle George Fant was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, joining Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton on the sideline.
"His knee, it's 100%," Saleh said of Wilson. "As far as the tackles go, we've got all the faith in the world in the guys we do have."
The 23-year-old Wilson is the focal point of a franchise looking to end an 11-year playoff drought — the NFL's longest active skid.
After a rookie season that was marked by early struggles, a sprained PCL that sidelined him four games and a solid finish when he returned, Wilson is being counted on to take a leap in his progress.
He appeared more confident and accurate in training camp, especially in the two weeks before he was injured.
Saleh previously acknowledged the injury this summer was a setback for Wilson because he was missing valuable practice time and snaps in preseason games.
But the coach also said Wilson was taking mental reps throughout and wouldn't need a ramp-up period before playing.
The Jets didn't put Wilson on injured reserve so he could practice with the team while he worked his way back from the injury. He participated in 7-on-7 drills last week after practice with practice squad players and backups.
"The practice aspect was very important," Saleh said. "We kept him engaged, he was fully involved in all the walkthroughs and the meetings, and was still able to get the extra work in, with regards to throwing and putting strain on the knee.
"So, he's very comfortable, he's in a great mental state and everyone's very comfortable with where he's at physically. And he's ready to roll."
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets left tackle George Fant was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, their third offensive tackle to land on IR since training camp.The injury couldn't come at a worse time for the Jets, who are hoping quarterback ...
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets left tackle George Fant was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, their third offensive tackle to land on IR since training camp.
The injury couldn't come at a worse time for the Jets, who are hoping quarterback Zach Wilson returns to the lineup Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Wilson starts, his blindside will be protected by a third-string left tackle, most likely Conor McDermott, a career backup.
Fant's surgically repaired left knee has been bothering him since training camp -- the procedure was performed in the offseason -- finally forcing him to the sideline during last Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He will miss at least four games.
The Jets have endured a run of rotten luck at tackle.
In August, right tackle Mekhi Becton went down in practice with a season-ending knee injury that required surgery. They responded by signing former Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown to a two-year, $20 million contract, moving Fant to right tackle. Brown lasted seven practices and one preseason game before a serious shoulder injury forced him to IR.
Brown, 37, is eligible to return next week, although it's hardly a guarantee he will be ready to play. For now, it looks like McDermott and rookie Max Mitchell (three starts) at left and right tackle, respectively.
On Tuesday, the Jets added reinforcements, signing former Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi from the Houston Texans' practice squad. He was added to the Jets' 53-man roster, meaning he might be their top backup on Sunday. Ogbuehi has 30 career starts, but only five over the past four seasons. He has been released by three different teams.
They also signed veteran tackle Mike Remmers to the practice squad. He has 90 career starts, including two last season for the Kansas City Chiefs. He wasn't with a team in the preseason.
This may not bode well for Wilson, who missed three games as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery. Coach Robert Saleh has said he expects Wilson to be cleared by doctors for Sunday's game, pending a final evaluation.
If Wilson isn't cleared, the Jets will start Joe Flacco for the fourth straight week. He's fifth in passing yardage (901), but has led the offense to only five touchdowns and has been sacked nine times. His lack of mobility, coupled with the offensive line issues, isn't an ideal formula for the Jets (1-2).
"You're down to your fourth and fifth guys," Saleh said of the tackle situation. "At this point in the season, you don't anticipate that. ... At the end of the day, no one cares. You have to line up, you have to play football, you have to protect the quarterback.
"[Offensive coordinator Mike] LaFleur has got to find ways to protect the quarterback, no different than we did against Cleveland [in Week 2]. I got confidence in the guys that we'll figure it out."
Fant, who signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2020, has been one of the most consistent linemen, having started at both tackle spots over the past three seasons. In the final year of his contract, Fant is eligible to return in Week 8.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Zach Wilson is back under center for the New York Jets.Coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday the second-year quarterback will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday “if all goes well this week” at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery.Wilson had been ramping up workouts in recent weeks, but Saleh said Monday the Jets were waiting for the quarterback’s doctors to clear him before making a decision about this week. Wilson was cleared to fully practice Wednesday as New Y...
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Zach Wilson is back under center for the New York Jets.
Coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday the second-year quarterback will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday “if all goes well this week” at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery.
Wilson had been ramping up workouts in recent weeks, but Saleh said Monday the Jets were waiting for the quarterback’s doctors to clear him before making a decision about this week. Wilson was cleared to fully practice Wednesday as New York prepares for its game at Pittsburgh.
Joe Flacco started the first three games of the season, during which the Jets went 1-2 – including a stunning victory at Cleveland two weeks ago when they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final 1:55.
But New York has struggled with consistency on offense and has held a lead for just 22 seconds – the final moments of the win against the Browns.
Wilson suffered a bone bruise in the preseason opener against Philadelphia on Aug. 12 and needed arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He was initially expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks, but the Jets insisted they wouldn’t rush Wilson back to the field.
CHIEFS: The Kansas City Chiefs are hopeful that Harrison Butker, their big-legged kicker whom they so sorely missed last week in Indianapolis, will be able to play when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Chiefs used journeyman Matt Ammendola the past two weeks in place of Butker, who sprained his plant ankle when he slipped on the shoddy turf in Arizona in Week 1.
But after a solid job in a win over the Chargers, Ammendola missed an early extra point in Indianapolis and then a chip-shot field goal that would have extended the Kansas City lead to seven.
Instead, the Colts seized the momentum and marched downfield for the go-ahead touchdown in the closing seconds, and the margin in the 20-17 loss for Kansas City wound up being that missed field goal with 8:41 left to play.
BILLS: The Buffalo Bills reinforced their injury-thinned secondary by signing veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes to the practice squad.
Rhodes, an All-Pro in 2017, has nine seasons of NFL experience, including the previous two years with the Indianapolis Colts. He had three interceptions in 29 starts with the Colts, and was not re-signed after his contract expired in March.
SAINTS: QB Jameis Winston said he’s preparing to start in the NFL’s first international game this year after being held out of practice with a back injury that has plagued him all season.
“They told me I wasn’t practicing. It wasn’t my choice,” Winston said. “I’m preparing like every week – preparing to play.”
Two other starters on the Saints’ offense – wide receiver Michael Thomas and tackle Ryan Ramczyk – also were not at the team’s first practice in London ahead of their game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Winston, who has also dealt with an ankle injury, has been sacked 11 times in three games for New Orleans (1-2).
BROWNS: Defensive end Myles Garrett stayed home to rest and recover from injuries suffered in a car crash as his status for Cleveland’s game on Sunday at Atlanta remains in doubt.
Garrett was not at the team’s facility two days after the All-Pro rolled over his Porsche in a single-car accident on a rural road near his home. He suffered a sprained shoulder, strained biceps, cuts and bruises in the wreck.
Garrett was hospitalized for several hours, and sheriff’s bodycam footage showed him looking dazed while being treated by medical personnel while sitting on the ground near his overturned vehicle.
The team said he cleared concussion protocol.
BUCS: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who moved their football operations to South Florida to avoid Hurricane Ian, remain hopeful of being able to return home to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
The team practiced at the Miami Dolphins’ training facility on Wednesday, describing the experience as different, but insisting the disruption to their routine will not hinder their ability to prepare for the team they beat in the Super Bowl two seasons ago.
Family members, and even some pets, accompanied players and coaches in relocating ahead of the storm making landfall on Florida’s west coast.
NFL executive Jeff Miller said the game was still scheduled to be played in Tampa on Sunday night.
Special to NorthJersey.comAfter retiring from a career in business and finance, Rakesh Jobanputra was searching for a way to give back and serve others.His search took him to a road less traveled — and he took it.“I didn't want to just retire and go and play golf or sit sipping cocktails,” said Jobanputra, 59, of Florham Park. “That's just not me. And for me, I need a challenge. I need to be in an environment helping others. And I'm selfish in that I want the reward and the satisfac...
Special to NorthJersey.com
After retiring from a career in business and finance, Rakesh Jobanputra was searching for a way to give back and serve others.
His search took him to a road less traveled — and he took it.
“I didn't want to just retire and go and play golf or sit sipping cocktails,” said Jobanputra, 59, of Florham Park. “That's just not me. And for me, I need a challenge. I need to be in an environment helping others. And I'm selfish in that I want the reward and the satisfaction of knowing I've helped others, but I'm hoping I'm a little bit selfless as well.”
Jobanputra turned to the Peace Corps after he discovered that the organization welcomes members of all ages.
“I've heard a lot about the Peace Corps, from that perspective of younger recent graduates going out and volunteering all over the world,” Jobanputra said. “I didn't realize that there was the senior part to it in terms of volunteers. Apparently, it's less than 10% and growing.”
Despite this statistic, Jobanputra was not discouraged.
“I am not feeling any concerns about working alongside young people. In fact, I hope I can share my experiences and knowledge with them as well as learn from them, too,” he said.
After the Peace Corps accepted his application, Jobanputra learned he will be one of the first volunteers to go abroad after the coronavirus pandemic.
Similarly:New York resident among first Peace Corps volunteers to head overseas post-pandemic
In March 2020, the Peace Corps brought all its volunteers home. More than 7,000 volunteers were evacuated from posts in more than 60 countries. During the pandemic, the Peace Corps continued its work through a new virtual service platform, domestic deployment of volunteers to aid in the United States’ COVID-19 response, and continued work with overseas staff and partners.
Now the Peace Corps is sending volunteers, including Jobanputra, abroad once again. He will be stationed in Albania for two years.
“Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe,” Jobanputra said. “Interestingly, it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The scenery is breathtaking. But sadly, the government there bankrupted the country 20 years ago, and since then, it's been really trying to dig itself out of a really bad economic situation.”
He explained his role in the region.
“From what I understand, I will be an organizational development volunteer, and I look at that as volunteer community work [and] social work,” Jobanputra said. “And so I’ll be placed at a site, probably a rural town or village, and probably an underserved community.”
He also hopes to bring some of his experiences and interests to the role, to go above and beyond what is expected of him and to have a positive impact in the region.
“I'm hoping I'll do more, maybe in my extra time, by teaching yoga, for example. I love yoga,” Jobanputra said. “Teaching accounting skills — [I've] been in accounting for 40 years now, and I've learned a lot. So I'm looking forward to passing those skills on to folks.”
His goal is “to give more than 100%” when it comes to his volunteerism, he said. To do so, he has to leave behind his life in the United States for the two-year assignment.
“It’s daunting leaving my family for two years. However, I feel blessed after retiring early at 57 to have the opportunity of a [second] career and more along the lines of my passion to help others in a more meaningful way,” Jobanputra said. “My wife and three children, who are in their 20s, have been very supportive and encouraged me to follow my dream.”
His family has planned a trip to visit him in Albania, and he plans to travel back to the United States often. He is also hopeful that his wife, who is currently a teacher of students with special needs, will join him on future missions as a volunteer.
Jobanputra has prepared for this assignment by ensuring that his finances are in order and tying up loose ends, but moving to a new country is not an entirely new experience for him. He was born in Uganda, grew up in England and moved to the United States 21 years ago.
Erin Curran, a public affairs specialist for the Peace Corps’ Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection, said it is important to note that Peace Corps volunteers go to nations that seek their help.
“The Peace Corps doesn't come in with [ideals] about what we are going to do for them,” Curran said. “They identify what they need, and then our volunteers and our in-country staff are there to support them through that, so that they're making sustainable change in their community that they see as valuable going forward.”
Curran said the pandemic had a significant impact on the regions the organization serves.
“The pandemic has set back years of development progress, exacerbated existing inequalities, and disproportionately impacted communities where the Peace Corps serves,” Curran said. “With decades of experience contributing to large-scale public health efforts, the Peace Corps is in a unique position to provide the grassroots, community-driven support critical to global COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.”
New Jersey:Ever wonder how New Jersey compares to the rest of the country? We compiled the rankings
Curran also detailed some of the precautionary measures the Peace Corps is taking to keep its members safe.
“Of course, a COVID 19 vaccine is required for all of our volunteers that serve, but then again, I think the medical history that's reviewed as well as the medical evaluations during the clearance process are now evaluated with a different lens knowing that COVID-19 is still around and may affect volunteers,” Curran said.
As Jobanputra embarks on his mission, he said he hopes to be an inspiration for anyone who is interested in becoming a senior volunteer.
“I think it’d be nice to see more senior volunteers around the world,” he said. “And hopefully through me, they can see it is possible, it’s not that difficult and it is important for us to do.”
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson was back under center for the New York Jets, taking snaps and preparing to start for the first time this season.“It's the happiest I've been in a month,” the second-year quarterback said with a big smile Wednesday.Coach Robert Saleh announced Wilson will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday “if all goes well this week” at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery.“Absolutely, yeah," Saleh said.Wilson had been ramping up wor...
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson was back under center for the New York Jets, taking snaps and preparing to start for the first time this season.
“It's the happiest I've been in a month,” the second-year quarterback said with a big smile Wednesday.
Coach Robert Saleh announced Wilson will make his season debut at Pittsburgh on Sunday “if all goes well this week” at practice, six weeks after having knee surgery.
“Absolutely, yeah," Saleh said.
Wilson had been ramping up workouts in recent weeks, but Saleh said Monday the Jets were waiting for the quarterback’s doctors to clear him before making a decision about this week. Wilson was able to fully practice Wednesday as New York prepares for its game at Pittsburgh.
“I'm 100%,” Wilson said. “I'm ready to go.”
Wilson said he won't play with a brace or sleeve on his right knee, and insists he won't be thinking about it while he's out on the field. He also doesn't anticipate changing how he plays despite being injured in the preseason opener at Philadelphia on Aug. 12 because he was perhaps a bit too aggressive while trying to gain extra yards on a run.
“I'm full go and I'm going to be playing ball how I can,” Wilson said. “If somebody comes up, make somebody miss. Get out on the edge, extend plays when I need to.”
Wilson joked that he had the team's strength coach chase him around the field during practice to try to simulate the pocket breaking down and trying to avoid a pass rush.
“It's really just exciting for him to get back on the football field — it's been six weeks," Saleh said. “There's a lot of different things that have to go around in terms of making sure that we run an efficient offense. From us as coaches to the O-line to receivers running routes — everyone's involved.”
Joe Flacco started the first three games of the season, during which the Jets went 1-2 — including a stunning victory at Cleveland two weeks ago when they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final 1:55.
But New York has struggled with consistency on offense and has held a lead for just 22 seconds — the final moments of the win against the Browns.
“It is exciting to get him back out there, but at the same time, it's not all about Zach," Saleh said. "It's making sure that we're executing on all cylinders, as we should every week.”
Wilson suffered a bone bruise in the preseason opener against Philadelphia on Aug. 12 and needed arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He was initially expected to miss two to four weeks, but the Jets insisted they wouldn’t rush Wilson back to the field.
“It's frustrating, but I think everyone kind of deals with injuries,” Wilson said. “It's kind of how you handle it, how you get back and how you prepare yourself to come back and still play well with missing some time.”
Saleh insisted there wasn't any added concern about bringing Wilson back while the Jets deal with questions on the offensive line. Starting left tackle George Fant was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, joining Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton on the sideline.
“His knee, it's 100%,” Saleh said of Wilson. “As far as the tackles go, we've got all the faith in the world in the guys we do have.”
The 23-year-old Wilson is the focal point of a franchise looking to end an 11-year playoff drought — the NFL’s longest active skid.
After a rookie season that was marked by early struggles, a sprained PCL that sidelined him four games and a solid finish when he returned, Wilson is being counted on to take a leap in his progress.
He appeared more confident and accurate in training camp, especially in the two weeks before he was injured.
Saleh previously acknowledged the injury this summer was a setback for Wilson because he was missing valuable practice time and snaps in preseason games.
But the coach also said Wilson was taking mental reps throughout and wouldn’t need a ramp-up period before playing.
The Jets didn’t put Wilson on injured reserve so he could practice with the team while he worked his way back from the injury. He participated in 7-on-7 drills last week after practice with practice squad players and backups.
“The practice aspect was very important,” Saleh said. "We kept him engaged, he was fully involved in all the walkthroughs and the meetings, and was still able to get the extra work in, with regards to throwing and putting strain on the knee.
“So, he's very comfortable, he's in a great mental state and everyone's very comfortable with where he's at physically. And he's ready to roll.”
NOTES: LB Quincy Williams didn't practice after suffering a high ankle sprain last Sunday against Cincinnati. “He's doing a lot better,” Saleh said of Williams, who was carted off the field with what appeared an even more serious injury. ... CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) and DL John Franklin-Myers (toe) were limited at practice.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
