Saleh Confirms Rodgers's Starting Status for Jets' Preseason Finale
The streak comes to an end on Saturday, August 26 at MetLife Stadium.
As first reported by New York Post scribe Brian Costello on Sunday, New York Jets' starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is slated to see his first preseason game action since 2018 when Gang Green closes out the summer schedule against the New York Giants in the annual game formerly known as the "Snoopy Bowl." Saturday's kickoff is slated for 6:00 pm ET in East Rutherford.
Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the report while speaking prior to Tuesday's training camp practice.
"He [Rodgers] and I just having conversation. Ultimately, he'll have his thoughts, too, but for us as an organization, he's new," said Saleh explaining the decision to start Rodgers in the preseason finale. "I know he's been in the league a very long time, but just didn't want September 11 to be the first time that he stepped into MetLife Stadium [as Jets' quarterback]."
The expected atmosphere in East Rutherford should help simulate regular season reps for the 39-year-old Rodgers.
"The Giants and Jets game, whether it's preseason or regular season, there's gonna be good turnout. There's gonna be a lot of anticipation and excitement in the building," said Saleh.
The opportunity for acclimation appears to outweigh any risk of injury in the dress rehearsal.
"You can't coach scared. You can't play scared. You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you," said Saleh. "You see some of the great ones out there. Kansas City's playing their guys, Buffalo's playing their guys. It's not uncommon."
Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen both started their respective preseason games this past Saturday.
Saleh suggested that Rodgers's upcoming appearance will last at least one quarter and maybe longer.
"I don't want to just throw him out there for a series and get him out. I would like to see those guys go through transition," said Saleh. "Get to the sideline, have some adjustments, get back to the field, play with those adjustments. So, you'd like to see that transition happen a few times."
As for the coaching staff's approach for the final preseason tune-up, it centers around getting comfortable.
"No game planning," said Saleh. "What we're doing is simulating the game week. We're simulating what an in-season schedule would be like, so guys get acclimated."
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