FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers has been cleared from the injury report and will return as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
The veteran quarterback actively participated in Saturday’s practice after being limited in the previous sessions due to a sprained ankle. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich noted that Rodgers was also dealing with a hamstring issue earlier in the week.
Despite facing a challenging performance last week in London, where he threw three interceptions in a defeat against Minnesota, the 40-year-old Rodgers appears ready to reclaim his position. His leg was twisted in a tackle during that game, but he managed to continue playing.
“He’s looking really good,” Ulbrich remarked. “His dedication to maintaining his physical condition is impressive, and he’s displaying the skills we all recognize as quintessential Aaron Rodgers.”
Ulbrich filled the head coach role after the dismissal of Robert Saleh earlier this week, and also made changes to the offensive strategy by assigning Todd Downing, the passing game coordinator, to lead the offense while sidestepping Nathaniel Hackett’s play-calling duties.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets will miss nickel cornerback Michael Carter II who sustained a back injury during warmups last week and was unable to play. He did not participate in practice this week and has been officially ruled out for the game.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley has a chance to return after missing the last three contests due to a toe injury. He is currently listed as questionable but has shown progress in practice.
“We’ve been gradually increasing his practice involvement,” Ulbrich said. “He has expressed that he feels better this week than he has in a while, so we’re optimistic about his return.”
Additionally, defensive tackle Leki Fotu is making progress and is likely to play after spending the first five weeks of the season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Although his practice window opened last week, the Jets have chosen to give him more recovery time before activating him.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood injured his hand during practice but was able to fully participate without being listed on the final injury report.
Tight end Tyler Conklin, who ranks fourth on the team with 17 receptions, has been dealing with a hip issue and was listed as questionable after being limited in practice this week.
The Jets could benefit from the return of right tackle Morgan Moses, who has been out for two games with a knee injury but was a full participant in Saturday’s practice and has been removed from the injury report.