Aaron Rodgers unlikely to play in preseason, Jets coach says - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers' first postsurgery game action might not be until Sept. 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, when the New York Jets open the season on «Monday Night Football.»

The star quarterback, who ruptured his left Achilles last Sept. 11, is unlikely to play in the preseason, coach Robert Saleh indicated Tuesday.

Saleh said it hasn't been discussed internally, but his «instinct» is telling him to keep Rodgers on the sideline for all three games. But he added, "… I want to leave it open. That third game [Aug. 24 against the New York Giants] is the one where we're deciding. He definitely won't play the first two."

Ultimately, it probably will be Rodgers' call.

After weeks of speculation last summer, Rodgers wound up playing two series against the Giants in the finale — his first preseason action since 2018. He decided there was value in playing, considering he was new to the team, and it was a new offensive system.

The circumstances are different this time. This is the Jets' second year in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's system, so there's more of a comfort level. The biggest factor, though, is Rodgers' health. The Jets, perhaps haunted by last year's Achilles debacle, don't want to take any unnecessary risks with their franchise quarterback.

Rodgers, fully healthy, has taken every first-team snap in the first six practices of training camp. Between the regular practices and upcoming joint sessions with the Washington Commanders (Aug. 8) and Giants (Aug. 21), the feeling is that he will have plenty of opportunities to get ready for the regular season.

The four-time MVP hasn't displayed any ill effects from his Achilles injury, although the past two practices — the first two in pads — were