The New York Jets are keeping faith in Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback, even as their season continues to spiral.
Despite losing seven of their last eight games following a 2-3 start, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed Monday that Rodgers will remain the starter when the team returns from its bye week to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
“All I can say – and you’d have to ask Aaron if he’s fully healthy – but he’s better off today than he’s been as of late,” Ulbrich said.
“So he’s definitely feeling healthier than he has for probably the last month, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, excited about what that looks like.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Rodgers has resisted undergoing scans to assess the extent of his injuries, fearing he might be sidelined.
“The hamstring injury Rodgers suffered against the Broncos on Sept. 29 was believed to be a particularly significant one, but he assured everyone it was fine. Asked about it, a source said, he would simply say, ‘I’m playing,’” Rapoport reported.
“That could also be one reason why Rodgers’ play has been subpar based on his standards.”
Rodgers, who joined the Jets with the expectation of reviving a franchise mired in mediocrity, has struggled in his comeback season from a ruptured Achilles.
The soon-to-be 41-year-old quarterback’s production has faltered, and injuries to his hamstring, knee, and ankle have added to his challenges.
The Jets’ offense has sputtered under Rodgers’ leadership, ranking 27th in total yards (294.4 per game) and points per game (18.5).
Individually, Rodgers ranks 24th in QBR (51.4) and 25th in EPA per dropback (0.04) among quarterbacks with at least 50 pass attempts.
Adding to the on-field woes, the Jets have been engulfed in turmoil off the field.
The franchise parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh midway through the season and dismissed general manager Joe Douglas last week.
Reports also suggest a strained relationship between Rodgers and team owner Woody Johnson.
“As for Rodgers, his relationship with the owner has been strained for months – that’s not a secret in the building or the locker room,” the Atheltic’s Dianna Russini reported.
“At this point, after conversations with sources with the team and around the league, my understanding is that Rodgers still wants to play in 2025, just not for the New York Jets.”
With Rodgers eyeing a potential move next season, the Jets are likely to explore other options at quarterback.
If the season ended today, New York would hold the seventh overall pick in the draft, putting them in contention to select one of the top college quarterbacks.
(Interestingly, old friend Sam Darnold figures to be available as well…)
As for Rodgers, the team has made it clear that they will ride with him the rest of the season. (Or at least plan to.)
What are your thoughts on the nightmare that has been the Rodgers-Jets era?
Where will the future Hall of Famer be playing in 2025???
