New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to enter his 20th season in the NFL. Technically, this would be his 19th, as he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during the first series of the 2023 season.
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The Achilles tear kept Rodgers out of the entire 2023 season, though reports indicated he was angling to return if the Jets were set to make a playoff push. That was not the case, and Rodgers instead decided to not step on the field.
Rodgers suffered a significant injury and is 40 years old. Despite his ability to still play at a high level, the Jets are also not taking any chances.
Jets HC Robert Saleh said that QB Aaron Rodgers, who is recovering from his Achilles injury, is unlikely to play this preseason.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2024
Jets head coach Robert Saleh has stated that Rodgers will not see any action in preseason games.
According to Adam Schefter, “Jets HC Robert Saleh said that QB Aaron Rodgers, who is recovering from his Achilles injury, is unlikely to play this preseason.”
This is a smart decision considering Rodgers is the main component of why the offense was not as good as it could have been in 2023. Without Rodgers, the Jets were forced to try out a carousel of quarterbacks that included Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle.
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 21: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets speaks to the media during the New York Jets OTA Offseason Workout at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on May 21, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Jets HC shuts down Aaron Rodgers for preseason.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Rodgers could have helped the Jets improve on their 7-10 record and potentially challenged the AFC for a playoff spot.
That is the goal for 2024, and Rodgers will need to be fully healthy to propel the Jets into a winning record. The AFC is also stacked with high-level competitors in the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and more.
The good news is Rodgers has some more weapons to utilize in 2024. The Jets still have wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breeze Hall, but the team also secured a big wide receiver in former Los Angeles Chargers star Mike Williams.
Like Rodgers, Williams is coming off a season-ending injury as he sustained a torn ACL in Week 3 of 2023, but he should be ready to go when the 2024 season starts. Tight end Tyler Conklin is also entering his third season with the Jets and should elevate his game by being able to finally catch passes from Rodgers.
The 2023 Jets’ offense was not as dynamic as it could have been with Rodgers slinging the ball, and Saleh is not taking any chances. Though it’s always important for starters to get some reps at some point in the preseason, being extra cautious with Rodgers will benefit the team far more in the long run.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
