The New York Jets had a 2023 season that was over before it started. Last offseason, the Jets acquired veteran QB Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles just four snaps into the season.
Now, the Jets are looking for redemption in 2024. That redemption will greatly depend on just how healthy Rodgers is by the time the regular season starts. Head coach Robert Saleh recently provided an update on Rodgers’ progress as organized team activities begin.
Aaron Rodgers Is “Doing Everything” to Return
Recently, Saleh was asked about Rodgers’ progress since organized team activities began for the Jets. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Saleh stated that Rodgers is “doing everything” in practice. While the regular season is still more than three months away, Jets fans have to be encouraged by this update from Saleh.
Encouraging Signs
Something else Jets fans should be encouraged by is Rodgers showing signs he was ready to return before the end of last season. It is fair to argue that this had no realistic chance of happening considering the severity of Rodgers’ injury.
However, reports revealed that the Jets and Rodgers did at least consider a Rodgers return if the Jets were in playoff contention heading into the final weeks of the season. Unfortunately, for the Jets, the team fell too far behind for this decision to ever have to be made. Still, this is a positive sign that Rodgers will be ready to go by the start of this upcoming season.
New York Jets Moving Forward
This could be a make or break year for the New York Jets. A big reason for this is if Rodgers fails to stay healthy again this year, the Jets are going to have to seriously address the quarterback position after this season.
Saleh may also start to feel the heat if the Jets have another poor season. His record as a head coach is just 18-33 during his first three seasons with the Jets. You can argue he has been given extra time due to Zach Wilson’s failed development and then Rodgers’ devastating injury last season.
Still, it is fair to question just how long of a leash Saleh still has. With the personnel surrounding this team, Saleh will certainly be expected to do bigger things with this team in 2024. Their first chance to do so will be against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
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