Desperate Jets weigh up naming a FOURTH starting quarterback of the season after Tim Boyle's struggles as hopes of an Aaron Rodgers return in the playoffs are dashed by Falcons loss

The Jets are considering naming a fourth starting quarterback this season after Trevor Siemian stepped in for Tim Boyle on Sunday.

New York's playoff hopes - while not definitively over - suffered another huge blow when they were beaten 13-8 by the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium.

It was the Jets' fifth straight defeat and leaves them at 4-8 for the season as they stare down the barrel at another year without postseason football.

The loss also means Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to play under center again this season.

The veteran quarterback will now surely fully focus on his recovery from his ruptured Achilles without the rush to get back for the playoffs. 

'Whether you're in it, out of it, it doesn't matter,' coach Robert Saleh said after the Falcons loss.

'You've got to show up. You've got to work. You've got to find ways to get better.' 

After another dismal performance - the Jets have scored just 10 offensive touchdowns in 12 games this year - Saleh is now considering starting Siemian against the Texans this week.

Boyle was criticized for missing opportunities to throw to Garrett Wilson on a couple of long plays.

'We're searching,' Saleh said. 'I felt like there was a lot of missed opportunity with potential explosive plays, possible touchdowns on the field today. 

'We've got to find a way to take advantage when we have those opportunities.' 

If he does, it will be the first time the Jets have started four different quarterbacks in the same season since 1989.

Siemian didn't particularly light up MetLife Stadium when he came in on Sunday, though.

The former Broncos starter was sacked three times and fumbled the ball three times. - completing just five of 13 passes for a lowly 66 yards.

Zach Wilson - benched for Tim Boyle last month - could also return to the fold, despite winning three of nine starts since Rodgers went down. 

'He's (Wilson) always in consideration,' Saleh said. 'To what level, I'm not there yet.'

Whatever Saleh decides, it doesn't look like Rodgers will be available next week either. 

The 40-year-old's return has always seemed to hinge on the team reaching the playoffs so it now it's highly unlikely he'll return this season.

'No, our plan for Aaron is consistent,' Saleh added. 'He's in rehab. That's all he's doing.'