The New York Jets had a decision to make this week. With the 21-day window for injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return rapidly approaching, they have decided to activate him and place him on the 53-man roster.
However, that is not a sign that he will be on the field this season. Rodgers will be activated and on the 53-man roster, but it was done so that he could continue his rehab and remain eligible to practice with the team.
No, no, no, he’s not [playing],” head coach Robert Saleh said when asked if Rodgers would get into a game. Using a roster spot on a player who will not step on the field in the final three games of the season is certainly a bizarre move, especially when taking into consideration that Zach Wilson, the team’s starting quarterback in the last two games, is in concussion protocol.
NFL News & Rumors: Robert Saleh, Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets Updates
Wilson was injured in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins after absorbing some brutal hits in the first half. He was replaced by Trevor Siemian right before halftime but never returned to the field because of what the team originally deemed as dehydration.
Along with Wilson, Siemian and now Rodgers, the Jets also have Brett Rypien on their 53-man roster. Wilson has not yet been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, but very few players have cleared protocol fast enough to play in the team’s next game the following week.
As for Rodgers, this is all part of the plan that has been put together for his rehab. He has practiced six times since his 21-day window has been opened and will continue to work with the team. Had he not been activated, Rodgers would not have been permitted to practice with the team.
“It’s all part of his rehab, and just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody,” Saleh said. “It’s a plus for him. It’s a plus for his teammates. And so we’re going to keep him up for practice.”
NFL News & Rumors: Robert Saleh, Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets Updates
Week 16 against the Commanders had been the day Rodgers was targeting for a return to the field. Alas, he admitted during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that his Achilles was not yet 100 percent healthy.
It would take, in his estimation, at least three more weeks for that to happen. But, with the Jets officially eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Dolphins, Rodgers will now focus solely on his rehab.
“There’s always a fear about re-rupture if you’re going too fast,” Rodgers said Tuesday. “But this allows me to — I’m not going to slow my rehab down. I’m going to keep attacking it every single day, but now, without a timetable to come back, obviously, we can be as smart as we need to be.”
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
