In returning from an Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers already faced enough of a challenge with this year’s New York Jets training camp, and head coach Robert Saleh only made it more challenging for the superstar quarterback.
Rodgers hasn’t played in a preseason game nor joint practices with the Washington Commanders, but he has done more work in practice instead. Saleh looks to make the most of year two with Rodgers after the four-time MVP tore his Achilles in week one last year, and the Jets missed the playoffs.
“I give Robert a lot of credit because he—from the start of training camp—said this is going to be a tough training camp, and I think it’s been a lot of reps for the ones,” Rodgers said. “He told me the other day we were somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 more reps I think at this point of camp than last year, and it feels like it. But it’s good, I think it’s going to allow us to maybe be a little bit more ready.”
The Jets expect to have Rodgers start week one of the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers in a “Monday Night Football” game on Sept. 7. Whether or not Rodgers will get a dress rehearsal in the final preseason game on Aug. 24, against the New York Giants remains unknown.
“I don’t really have a preference,” Rodgers said. “I feel good about where I’m at with my body and what I’ve kind of put together. I feel like I’ve done different things throughout camp as far as rollouts, rolling out and pulling up, getting out of the pocket and making plays, throwing back across my body, pump-faking and actually extending plays and getting some yards. I feel like I’ve done a lot. I haven’t taken a hit—that’s kind of the main thing thankfully. I respect and appreciate my defense for that.”
If Rodgers plays against the Giants, he could face a defensive front that helped the team hold opponents to 21 passing touchdowns last season. The Giants have a talented defensive front, led by nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
“Any time you get teams together, it’s always interesting,” Rodgers said. “You see how things shake out as far as personalities and pushing and shoving, and there’s a fear of somebody throwing a punch and having to play in the game. Hopefully it’s a clean practice, but you never know.”
Rodgers also mentioned Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft. Nabers has impressed with four catches for 54 yards, and he could pose a challenge for the Jets secondary.
“I’m excited to see Malik, see what he’s all about, be a good opportunity for him going against some premier corners,” Rodgers said.
While Rodgers expressed positives about the joint practices with the Giants this week before the game, he also questioned their value. Once the preseason is complete this weekend, the Jets will have joint practices with each preseason opponent.
“Is it actually making you better than practicing against your own team? It’s debatable,” Rodgers said.
He also explained how he has seen the benefits of the team working within itself at camp, hearkening back to Saleh’s approach this year.
“We’re getting stressed this camp in a way that us old guys, we haven’t been stressed in a while, and I think it’s good for us,” Rodgers said. “We need to see how we’re going to respond in unscripted periods where the entire playbook is up. A good chance to see who can handle what, how much we can give certain guys, and then what the emphasis needs to be moving forward. So, I think those are the most valuable practices for us.”
