New York Jets coach Robert Saleh confirmed that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will start in the final preseason game against the Giants. Rodgers has not played in a preseason game in years but Saleh apparently wanted to get Rodgers on the field before week 1. This has drawn criticism from some fans as they believe the risk of injury is too great. Saleh defended his actions saying he, “can’t coach scared.”
Robert Saleh Defends Aaron Rodgers Playing In Preseason
Rodgers hasn’t played a preseason game since 2018. That will all change against the Giants and Saleh defended his decision.
“You can’t coach scared, you can’t play scared. “You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine.”
Saleh went on to point out that this is what all the good teams are doing.
“You see some of the great ones out there,” he said. “Kansas City is playing their guys, Buffalo is playing their guys. It’s not uncommon. You can always play the hindsight game, the fearful game, but what’s in the best interest of our team is going out and playing some football together and preparing ourselves the best way we can for Sept. 11.”
He isn’t wrong. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have both played in the preseason and while some may be upset, an uproar isn’t happening. What Saleh fails to understand is that this franchise is different.
Everything Is Different With The Jets
It would be the most Jets thing to happen if Rodgers (heaven forbid) got injured in the preseason. This is amplified by the offensive line issues the team has been having in practice. Rodgers has downplayed this but the fact of the matter is that the line is having trouble giving Rodgers time. I would expect the playcalling to be very conservative and put Rodgers in as little danger as possible. Still, Jets fans will be biting their nails until Rodgers comes out of the game.
Robert Saleh is going to have to continue to defend his decision to start Aaron Rodgers. While it may be the right one, it is also a risky one. The hope is that everything goes fine and Rodgers and the Jets are ready to take on the Buffalo Bills in week 1.
