Jets' Sauce Gardner defends Aaron Rodgers amid criticism over minicamp absence

New York Jets insider joins the show to discuss Aaron Rodgers' minicamp absence. Connor explains that the Jets have known about Rodgers' plans since the minicamp dates were released.

New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers has face some criticism this week over his decision to skip the team's mandatory minicamp. 

But Rodgers' teammate Sauce Gardner is coming to the quarterback's defense. "Are y’all really making a big deal because a 15+ year HOF QB missed 2 days of practice after being with the team all throughout Phase 1, 2, & 3 of OTA’s?? GG’s," Gardner wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Rodgers did appear at other voluntary offseason workouts prior to this week's minicamp. He was on hand in late May and early June for the Jets' organized team activities (OTAs). 

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attend game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 2, 2023, in New York City.  (Elsa/Getty Images)

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday that although Rodgers' absence would be considered unexcused, the quarterback had previously told the team about the conflict in his schedule.

"Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started," Saleh said. "He's been very good in communication. He's been here the entire time. It's inexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated."

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On Wednesday, veteran NFL quarterback Chase Daniel characterized Rodgers' absence as "expensive."

"Wait until you hear where Aaron Rodgers is…instead of with his teammates….