The New York Jets are taking a cautious approach with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury. Head coach Robert Saleh has hinted that Rodgers is unlikely to see any game time during the preseason, with the possibility of making his post-surgery debut in the regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 9. While the decision has not been finalized, Saleh’s instincts are leaning towards keeping Rodgers on the sidelines for all three preseason games, with the August 24 matchup against the New York Giants being the game that will determine his participation.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to play in the preseason will rest with Aaron Rodgers himself. Last year, Rodgers saw minimal preseason action to acclimate to the team and the new offensive system. This time around, with the Jets having more familiarity with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s system, the focus is on Rodgers’ health rather than building chemistry. With Rodgers taking all first-team snaps in practice so far and upcoming joint sessions planned, the team believes he will have sufficient time to prepare for the regular season.
Despite Rodgers’ progress in practice, there have been some concerns about his performance. In the recent practices, there were visible signs of frustration from Rodgers, with some inconsistencies in his passing game. The offense, in general, has been labeled as “inconsistent” by Hackett, citing the need for more cohesion and understanding among the players. The potential benefit of playing in the preseason would be to build chemistry with the offensive line, especially with right tackle Morgan Moses still recovering from offseason surgery. Last year, Rodgers faced issues with the offensive line, ultimately leading to his untimely injury.
As the New York Jets navigate through the preseason schedule, the priority remains on Aaron Rodgers’ health and readiness for the regular season. While the temptation to have him on the field for preseason games is understandable, the team is opting for caution and focusing on the bigger picture. The goal is to have Rodgers fully prepared and in prime condition when they kick off the season on “Monday Night Football” against the San Francisco 49ers. The decision to play in the preseason or not will be a critical one, balancing the need for practice and chemistry with the importance of preserving Rodgers for the long haul.