Aaron Rodgers has no preference about playing in the preseason finale.
The New York Jets quarterback remains uncertain about his participation against the Giants on Saturday night. He has opted not to influence coach Robert Saleh’s decision regarding his playing time.
“I don’t really have a preference,” Rodgers stated on Tuesday after enjoying a veteran rest day alongside other key starters.
Rodgers is anticipated to join the Jets during their joint practice with the Giants on Wednesday. If he doesn’t take the field in the game, this practice will serve as a critical preparation session ahead of the regular-season opener against San Francisco on September 9.
“Whether or not we play Saturday, who knows?” he remarked. “If Saleh wants us to, then we will. I don’t know what he told you guys, but we haven’t been informed yet.”
Coach Saleh mentioned on Monday that the coaching staff would evaluate how to manage playing time for Rodgers and other starters after the joint practice.
“Most of these practices have been pretty first-team heavy,” Rodgers noted. “We took a lot of reps against Washington and then Carolina. I expect there will be many reps, likely focusing on situational drills, a third-down period, red zone scenarios, and two-minute drills. These offer great opportunities.”
Entering his 20th NFL season at age 40, Rodgers acknowledged the intensity of this summer’s camp, crediting Saleh’s strategic approach.
“I would say the camp is much harder this year and maybe the hardest in the last seven or eight of my career,” he shared. “I had some insight coming into camp that Robert wanted to ramp things up. I believe it has been beneficial for us.”
Rodgers’ next snap in any game will be his first since he tore his left Achilles tendon just four plays into the season opener against Buffalo last year. Throughout summer training, he has shown no visible signs of the injury.
“I feel good about where I’m at with my body and what I’ve been able to accomplish,” he said. “I’ve done a lot during camp, from rolling out and escaping the pocket to making plays and throwing across my body. I feel confident in my abilities.”
“I haven’t taken a hit, which is the main thing, thankfully. I appreciate my defense for that. … Let’s see if we can get through tomorrow without getting hit.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve played in the preseason or you’re in your 10th year or 20th year; it always helps to get that first hit out of the way,” Rodgers explained. “It doesn’t have to be in the preseason. It’s just about getting that first hit so you can feel ready to go.”
