The chances for former Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Chris Streveler to make the New York Jets’ active roster increased dramatically on Friday night after he led a six-play, 53-yard game-winning drive in preseason action against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Earlier in the same game, starting quarterback Zach Wilson suffered what appeared to be a severe knee injury. The second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow and could miss significant time if ligament damage is found.
Streveler took the reins from backup Mike White in the fourth quarter, completing six-of-nine passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns while rushing twice for 31 more yards. He found receiver Calvin Jackson Jr. on a five-yard touchdown throw with 16 seconds remaining to give his team a 24-21 victory.
The six-foot-one, 216-pound passer signed with the Jets late in the offseason and sat fourth on the team’s depth chart entering this game, behind Wilson, White and veteran Joe Flacco. He needs just six more games on an NFL active roster to secure his league pension.
The 27-year-old completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,698 yards in two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2018-19) along with 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,167 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Streveler was especially effective during Winnipeg’s championship run in 2019, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown in the West Semi-Final before throwing a touchdown pass to Andrew Harris in the Grey Cup.
That performance earned him an NFL opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals. The South Dakota product completed 17-of-25 pass attempts for 141 yards, one touchdown, and one interception over two seasons with the team. He also rushed seven times for 21 yards in a depth role behind former first overall NFL draft pick Kyler Murray.
The Cardinals released Streveler in November of 2021 and he spent the remainder of the season on the practice roster of the Baltimore Ravens. He was not retained by the organization and signed with the Miami Dolphins but was released after just three months with the team.
Streveler has earned over $1.1 million through two seasons in the NFL.
