Aaron Rodgers defends Zach Wilson, scolds Jets for leaks to media - ESPN

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't hold back. Not only was he upset by a published report that he believes unfairly paints teammate Zach Wilson as «a kid quitting on the team,» but he blasted the organization for «chicken s---» leaks to the media.

«That's a problem with the organization,» Rodgers said on «The Pat McAfee Show» on Tuesday. «We need to get to the bottom of whatever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately, because there's no place in a winning culture where — and this isn't the only time. There's been a bunch of other leaks.»

Rodgers was referring to a report by The Athletic, which quoted unidentified sources as saying Wilson — benched two weeks ago — is reluctant to play again because of a perceived injury risk. The reeling Jets (4-8), losers of five straight, are making another quarterback change this week, with coach Robert Saleh poised to announce a decision Wednesday.

Saleh was leaning toward Wilson on Monday, a source confirmed. The other quarterbacks are Trevor Siemian and Brett Rypien, who was signed Tuesday off the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. Tim Boyle, who started the past two games, was abruptly waived Tuesday.

Rodgers, back with the team full time as he continues to rehab his surgically repaired Achilles, questioned why a person affiliated with the team would want to «assassinate someone's character like that report does for Zach.»

«I think it's chicken s--- at its core, and I think it has no place at a winning organization,» Rodgers said.

Wilson, perhaps in damage control, went to Saleh's office Monday afternoon and told the coach he wants to start Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to Saleh. The coach claimed he has no issue with Wilson's desire to play,