The New York Jets are reportedly cautious with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers this preseason. Head coach Robert Saleh indicated that Rodgers will not participate in the team’s first two preseason games, as reported by SNY. The decision regarding Rodgers’ participation in the third and final preseason game remains uncertain, with Saleh expressing skepticism. “My instinct is no,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear on the fourth play of his Jets debut during the 2023 season opener against the Buffalo Bills, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. However, he noted earlier in July, prior to training camp, that his Achilles “feels good” and “felt really good at the end of last year.”
In the 2023 preseason, the four-time NFL MVP played in just one game, completing 5 of 8 passes for 47 yards and one touchdown. A healthy Rodgers is vital for the Jets, who aim to end their 13-year postseason drought, the longest active streak in the league. To bolster the offensive line and protect Rodgers, the team made significant acquisitions, including first-round draft pick Olu Fashanu, along with free-agent signings of veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson. Additionally, the Jets added wide receiver Mike Williams and quarterback Tyrod Taylor to support Rodgers.
In his last full season with the Green Bay Packers in 2022, Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, with 26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 91.1. The Jets will kick off their 2024 regular season on September 9 with a Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
