CANTON, Ohio — Zach Wilson’s return to the field was short, but it did feature one memorable throw.

The Jets’ backup quarterback played the first three series of the Hall of Fame Game against the Browns on Thursday night.

He completed 3 of 5 passes for 65 yards, with 57 of those yards coming on one throw in the Jets’ 21-16 loss.

“Zach did a good job,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “He was poised. He looked comfortable in the pocket and delivered the ball on schedule. It was definitely something to build on.”

Wilson, the No. 2-overall pick in 2021, is adjusting to life as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.

That is why he was playing in a meaningless preseason game in early August, surrounded by players fighting for roster spots.

Playing on his 24^th birthday, Wilson did provide that one highlight for those looking for signs he has improved.

On the Jets’ second series, he launched a 57-yard pass down the left sideline to Malik Taylor.

The ball traveled nearly all of those yards in the air and hit Taylor in the hands. The play set up a 54-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.

Wilson said that Rodgers was the one who suggested the deep shot to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

“Great call by Aaron Rodgers,” Wilson said with a smile. “I have to give him the love there.”

Wilson completed his first pass of the game for 3 yards to tight end Kenny Yeboah on a second-down play.

Then, on third-and-2, Wilson scrambled and slipped, giving the Browns a sack.

After Wilson’s big throw to Taylor during the Jets’ second series, Wilson threw an incompletion on third-and-11 and Zuerlein kicked.

The Jets got the ball back when the Browns fumbled on their first play.

Wilson hit rookie running back Israel Abanikanda for a 5-yard gain on first down, but threw incomplete on third-and-5 when Browns defensive tackle Tommy Togiagi batted the ball down at the line.

That brought Zuerlein out for another field goal, this one from 44 yards.

Wilson, who figures to get plenty of action during the preseason as Rodgers watches from the sideline, exited the game after the first quarter and Tim Boyle entered in his place.

The Jets have praised the way Wilson has handled the transition to being Rodgers’ backup.

After two years as the starting quarterback and face of the franchise, Wilson will now be relegated to the bench once the season starts.

The Jets coaches and players have said they see a more confident Wilson, who is learning from the four-time MVP Rodgers.

“I’m very grateful for him. He helps me more than he needs to,” Wilson said.

This game was another small step toward rebuilding Wilson’s confidence.

“For him, just rebuilding that confidence and that swag that we fell in love with in the draft process. I think he’s getting it,” Saleh said. “I said it before, he’s a rookie all over again. All the footwork is different. The verbiage is different. The way Aaron plays quarterback and the way Hackett teaches quarterback is a little bit different. There’s a lot of learning. I think he’s been attacking the heck out of it and doing a really nice job.”

Wilson said he felt comfortable Thursday night, a departure from how he felt in his first two years.

“I think the last two years I felt kind of hectic, kind of scrambled,” Wilson said. “Tonight, I felt like I had a plan.”

By the end of last season, Wilson looked like a player with zero confidence.

After he was benched in Week 16 against the Jaguars for Chris Streveler, Wilson looked done. Now, he is climbing his way back.

“For whatever reason, I feel like I’m trying to find my way,” Wilson said. “I feel like this training camp and OTAs, I’ve found what feels comfortable for me. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s something I’m working at. It’s a great feeling to feel like there’s a good path you’re going down and you can keep working on those things. The goal through this preseason stuff is how consistent, how efficient you can be.”