Jets' Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Rule Out Playing NFL Preseason amid Achilles Injury

There appears to be some dispute whether New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play during the preseason.

Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday that the quarterback is unlikely to play in the exhibition games this year as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles.

"News to me," Rodgers said Wednesday when asked about sitting out the preseason.

The veteran also clarified if he does sit out, it will have nothing to do with his injury rehab.

"I don't have any restrictions. I am doing (QB) keepers and roll-outs," Rodgers said.

Rodgers is coming off a lost 2023 season in which he tore his Achilles four plays into the first game of the year. While he was determined to make a recovery and return during the season, he decided to remain sidelined when the Jets fell out of playoff contention.

New York acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster trade last year, leading many to believe that the franchise mired by years of ineptitude was finally going to turn the corner. When disaster struck in the season opener, the Jets turned to maligned 2021 No. 2 pick Zach Wilson to try to right the ship. Unfortunately, that plan was doomed from the start.

Wilson was benched once again, and backup Tim Boyle was no better before being unceremoniously released after two starts. Trevor Siemian stepped in when Wilson suffered a concussion late in the year, but he also struggled as New York finished the year with a 7-10 record and failed to make the playoffs for the 13th straight year, the longest drought in all four North American sports.

The Jets revamped their offensive line this offseason with the additions of veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses and 2024 No. 11 pick Olu Fashanu. The team also improved the talent around Rodgers by signing wide receiver Mike Williams and drafting wideout Malachi Corley in the third round. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor was also signed to avoid a similar fate as last season, as Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos prior to the NFL draft.

New York is hoping Rodgers will benefit from the time off and be ready for the regular season, as this will be a pivotal year for the futures of Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. The Jets believe they can contend for a Super Bowl with Rodgers, so they will continue to be cautious with him as they try to keep him healthy.

On the other hand, it's clear the veteran wants to get back on the field as soon as possible.