Zach Wilson Returns To Starting Quarterback Spot Against Idaho State

PROVO, Utah – BYU sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson hasn’t played in a game for seven weeks, but he’s back to his role as QB number one for the Cougar offense.

Wilson was named BYU’s starting quarterback for the Cougars final home game of the season against Idaho State (1 pm on BYUtv and KSL Newsradio). Behind Wilson is redshirt freshman Baylor Romney who closed out the last four games in Wilson’s absence, helping BYU to a 3-1 record in those games.

Zach Wilson announced as BYU’s starting quarterback for today’s game on @kslnewsradio. #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) November 16, 2019

Wilson was sidelined due to a broken thumb that he had surgery for on October 1st. Last week, Wilson was cleared by doctors and was made available a week ago in an emergency situation for BYU’s offense against Liberty.

This week Wilson practiced and is now ready to return his starting role.

Earlier in the week, Wilson was asked if he should be given his starting spot back after being out for the last seven weeks.

Zach Wilson getting ready to make his first game appearance in seven weeks. #BYU #BYUFOOTBALL #KSLsports pic.twitter.com/02oYjV2v7D

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 16, 2019

Wilson replied, “That’s not my call. I don’t really think a quarterback should ever lose his starting job based on injury. Of course, there are always situations that go into it, right? Based on how you’re performing before and that all comes back to the coaches and what they decide. I know they’re going to make the right decision for the team. Whether it’s someone that had just been injured and is looking to come back and take their job, it’s the best person plays. That’s how the role should work.”

Depth behind Wilson at Quarterback

After Wilson, BYU is still without redshirt freshman Jaren Hall who remains “day-to-day” in the concussion protocol according to the coaching staff. So Baylor Romney is the backup quarterback to Wilson.

In the third-string spot is sophomore Joe Critchlow and then fourth-string quarterback is Rhett Reilly.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.