Aaron Rodgers’ first full season with the Jets was filled with injury-related questions, from his accelerated Achilles recovery in the offseason to hamstring, knee and ankle injuries that led to appearances on the injury report from week 5.
But Rodgers, according to NFL.com, has avoided undergoing testing for those injuries because he doesn’t want to “reveal the severity of his injuries for fear of having to leave the field.” He insisted that he continue playing.
The 40-year-old has publicly stated that he feels healthy and has fully participated in every one of Gang Green’s training sessions since October 28. The next day, Rodgers joked about punter Thomas Morstead’s mixture of cayenne pepper and water helping him find the “fountain of youth.”
But while there have been times when Rodgers has shown his mobility, he has mostly been limited outside the pocket – with Patriots tackle Davon Godchaux even saying he could “crush him and l ‘catch’ after New England defeated the Jets. on October 27.
Entering the Jets’ bye week, Rodgers has totaled 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, with a disappointing offense to start the campaign – the Jets still haven’t reached 30 points in 2024 – one of the first signs of Gang The green begins to form a spiral.
This resulted in Nathaniel Hackett being removed from playcalling duties following the firing of Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich becoming the interim head coach.
But aside from the second half against the Texans on Oct. 31, when Rodgers threw three touchdowns, the poor results continued.
So that led the Jets and Rodgers to an interesting crossroads — and the looming potential of a divorce less than two years after they merged and opened a Super Bowl window for the franchise.
Before the Jets lost to the Colts in Week 11, Rodgers said the way 2024 went didn’t change his plans to play in 2025.
But with Saleh’s firing and the firing of general manager Joe Douglas last week, the Jets’ offseason will be defined by the hiring processes and new faces on the staff.
Owner Woody Johnson also reportedly floated the idea of benching Rodgers after their Week 4 loss to the Broncos.
All of this has led to Rodgers being the subject of speculation surrounding the possibility of an injured reserve stint later this season if he or the Jets decide the quarterback shouldn’t continue playing — and what that would mean for his future at Gang Green.
Perhaps at this point, imaging and scans will reveal the severity of what Rodgers experienced.
