Aaron Rodgers is firm in his commitment to play for the New York Jets in their upcoming match against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Speaking during a video conference on Tuesday, the veteran quarterback confidently stated, “There’s no way I’m not playing.” Despite acknowledging a minor issue with his MCL, which he described as “a little MCL,” Rodgers reassured that he has dealt with worse injuries in the past and was fortunate to avoid any significant damage to the ligament.
The injury occurred during the Jets’ 19-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams last week; however, he managed to continue playing despite the discomfort. “I’m gonna play,” Rodgers affirmed, expressing that he feels optimistic about his condition. Unfortunately, the team suffered a setback with rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu, who was placed on injured reserve due to an injury to the plantar fascia in his left foot, effectively ending his promising debut season in the NFL.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich previously mentioned that it was “just too early to tell” regarding Rodgers’ participation, but he expressed confidence in the quarterback’s chances. “If I’m a betting man, I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play,” Ulbrich remarked. Rodgers indicated he would not require an MRI on his knee, even as he navigates through a season fraught with injuries, including knee, hamstring, and ankle troubles that affected his performance at various times.
With aspirations to play all 17 games in this season—after only appearing for four snaps last year due to a torn Achilles tendon—Rodgers confessed that he previously thought achieving that goal might be challenging. Nevertheless, he noted that, looking ahead, “it looks like, for sure, 16. And hopefully get through this one and get to 17.” Following a walkthrough practice on Tuesday, the Jets have scheduled a full practice on Thursday, offering Rodgers additional time to recuperate.
This season, Rodgers has completed 24 touchdown passes against eight interceptions, and he stands just one touchdown throw away from joining the elite group of players who have achieved 500 career touchdown passes in the regular season. However, there remains uncertainty regarding his future beyond the current season. Although Rodgers has an additional year left on his contract with the Jets, the team is in search of a new general manager and head coach, raising questions about whether the quarterback will fit into their plans moving forward.
During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers hinted at the possibility of being released shortly after the season concludes. He conceded that while there is a chance of being retained, he will take his time before committing to a 21st season in the NFL. “I think anything is truly possible,” he remarked, emphasizing his understanding that decisions will soon need to be made regarding various players’ futures. He acknowledged that the likelihood of changes is higher than it might seem, though he refrained from considering it certain.
Rodgers also mentioned that he hasn’t had any recent discussions with Jets owner Woody Johnson and doesn’t view the silence as an indicator of his standing with the organization. “I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there’s so many uncertainties,” he stated. He pointed out that the new general manager will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future direction, including interviewing and hiring the head coach, indicating he must be part of their plans as well.
In other news, Olu Fashanu has concluded his season abruptly. The left tackle had shown promise as the 11th overall pick in the draft but suffered an injury after taking over as a starter due to others’ injuries. He was seen on crutches after the game against the Rams. Although it was initially believed that surgery would be necessary, the team later clarified that a procedure was not required.
Additionally, the Jets continue to shuffle their kicking roster. They have signed experienced kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad to compete with Anders Carlson for the starting position this week. Zuerlein, who has been on injured reserve since late October due to a knee issue, may also be considered for the role. Carlson, who has struggled somewhat recently, is among the fourth kickers the Jets have utilized this season. Ulbrich stated, “We’ll see how it goes and we’ll put the best guy out there,” indicating the ongoing evaluation ahead of their next game.
