Robert Saleh, the head coach of the New York Jets, is putting caution first when it comes to deciding whether Aaron Rodgers will play in any preseason games. At 40 years old, Rodgers has been sidelined since tearing his left Achilles tendon early in last year’s season opener.
Saleh mentioned that while his initial instinct is to keep Rodgers on the sideline for all three preseason games, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the quarterback making an appearance in the finale against the Giants on August 24. The decision will ultimately come down to discussions between the coaching staff and Rodgers himself.
During his time with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers typically did not see much action in preseason games. However, he did play in the Jets’ final preseason game last year, throwing a touchdown pass in his limited appearance. This year, the Jets will have joint practices with each of their preseason opponents, providing valuable game-like reps without the tackling.
Saleh emphasized the importance of these joint practices in preparing players for the regular season. While the team is taking a cautious approach with Rodgers, they are still focused on getting him the necessary reps in a controlled environment to ensure he is ready for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 9.
By prioritizing caution and utilizing joint practices, the Jets are taking a strategic approach to managing Rodgers’ playing time in the preseason. This decision reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring Rodgers is fully prepared and healthy for the upcoming season.