The New York Jets might not take any risks with Aaron Rodgers in the 2024 preseason
New York Jets fans might have to wait until Week 1 of the regular season to see quarterback Aaron Rodgers back in action.
Asked on Tuesday if Rodgers would appear in any preseason games, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said, “We haven’t really talked about it.” He then said, “My instinct right now, as I stand here, is ‘We’ll see.'”
Saleh later clarified, “My instinct is no. But I want to leave it open. The third game is the one we’re deciding. He definitely won’t play the first two.”
Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth play of his Jets debut on September 11, 2023, which left him sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 season. Earlier in July, before training camp had started, the 40-year-old quarterback said his Achilles “feels good” and “felt really good at the end of last year.”
Saleh seems confident that Rodgers will get the preparation he needs without having to play in the preseason. The Jets’ fourth-year head coach said, “Those preseason practices are so game-like; the only difference is you’re not tackling. And so we feel comfortable that we’re getting the game-like reps we need in a controlled environment.”
Last preseason, Rodgers appeared in his first preseason game since 2018, playing two offensive drives in the Jets’ preseason finale against the Giants. Rodgers completed five out of eight passes for 47 yards and a touchdown to Garrett Wilson.
Between the Jets’ individual training camp practices and their joint practices with the Panthers, Giants, and Commanders, the four-time MVP should be fully ready to take on the San Fransisco 49ers on September 9.
