New York Jets coach Robert Saleh has liked what he’s seen from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers during organized team activities.
“For him to push the envelope and continue his rehab (from an Achilles injury), he has no restrictions and he looks good, man,” Saleh said Tuesday. “The arm talent, obviously, is still there. But it’s really just re-acclimating to everything. We’re trying a bunch of new stuff, too. Just trying to evolve within the offense.”
When asked whether Rodgers is taking snaps under center and executing footwork on handoffs, Saleh was quick with a response.
“He’s doing everything,” he said.
Rodgers was at OTAs with teammates after being floated as a candidate for vice president on a ticket with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“I love Bobby. We had a couple of really nice conversations, but there were really two options: retire and be his VP, or keep playing,” Rodgers said. “I wanted to keep playing.”
Rodgers said he understands the pressure is amplified this season to deliver a winning season after a short-lived run as a potential franchise savior last season.
Rodgers, 40, followed a celebrated tenure with the Green Bay Packers by playing just four snaps before suffering an Achilles injury during his debut with the Jets Sept. 11, 2023.
“If I don’t do what I know I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here. I like that kind of pressure, though,” he said.
Rodgers said “this is the last part” of his rehab, gaining confidence on the field.
“It’s just about the mental part,” Rodgers said. “These practices have been nice the last couple days. Feel what it’s like to be out there moving around and not be thinking about it. See how I feel the next day.”
Saleh said Rodgers is checking the boxes as he continues to recover from the injury.
“As far as we’re concerned, he’s on track and what he’s able to do, there’s no limitations to what we’re asking him to do at practice,” he said.
A four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers passed for 59,055 yards, 475 touchdowns and 105 interceptions in 230 games (223 starts) for the Packers from 2005-22, compiling a record of 147-75-1. He made 10 Pro Bowls and led Green Bay to a Super Bowl XLV victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Jets’ quarterback room also includes veteran Tyrod Taylor and rookie Jordan Travis, drafted in the fifth round last month out of Florida State.
–Field Level Media
