Jets' Robert Saleh on playing Aaron Rodgers - 'Can't coach scared' - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets coach Robert Saleh believes it's in the best interest of the team to play quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the final preseason game, history and injury risk be damned.

«You can't coach scared, you can't play scared,» Saleh said Tuesday, confirming that Rodgers will start Saturday against the New York Giants. «You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine.»

Rodgers, 39, who hasn't played a preseason game since 2018, sat out the first three games. But now, with the season opener less than three weeks away, Saleh wants Rodgers to get acclimated to MetLife Stadium and its atmosphere before facing the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11 at home.

The Jets have a history of quarterback injuries against the Giants. In 2003, Chad Pennington fractured his left (non-throwing) wrist in the annual preseason contest, causing him to miss the first six regular-season games. In 2013, Mark Sanchez suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the fourth quarter behind a backup offensive line. Saleh noted the Jets aren't the only team using their star quarterback in the preseason.

«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.»

It sounds like Rodgers and the starting offense will play more than one series as they try to build chemistry. Because of injuries and positional battles, the Jets haven't had much continuity in the summer.

«We'll see how it goes,» Saleh said. «I