NY Jets news: Aaron Rodgers injury, Greg Zuerlein troubles, Jets waive struggling TE

NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers popped up on the injury report with an ankle injury and did not participate in Wednesday's practice. However, there's no reason to be concerned abot Rodgers' latest ailment at this time.

The four-time MVP returned to practice on Thursday and was a full participant. His injury status is not expected to impact his ability to play in the Jets' Week 7 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.

Rodgers has been a regular resident of the Jets' injury report this season, nursing knee, hamstring, and ankle injuries. He's gotten banged up in recent weeks after taking a few hard hits, but the Jets are not concerned about his availability.

Still, it's always notable when a team's starting quarterback misses practice due to injury. Jets fans should keep an eye on Rodgers moving forward, especially against an aggressive Steelers defense on Sunday.

More NY Jets news:

Jets still backing Greg Zuerlein

The Jets have arguably lost two games this season due to the inconsistencies of kicker Greg Zuerlein, who has struggled since the summer. Zuerlein has connected on just 8-of-12 field goal attempts and is on pace to set a new career-low in field-goal percentage.

Zuerlein missed two field goals from 32 and 43 yards out on Monday night, directly contributing to the Jets' 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He previously missed a game-winning 50-yard attempt in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos.

Despite his struggles, the Jets continue to back him. Special-teams coordinator Brant Boyer told reporters on Thursday that Zuerlein "he always digs himself out" of his slumps and that he still has the team's full support.

That may be what the Jets are saying publicly, but the team did bring in three kickers for a workout this week. The Jets are considering their options if Zuerlein continues to falter.

Jets waive Brenden Bates

One of the more underrated weaknesses on the Jets' roster this season has been their tight end room. Tyler Conklin remains a serviceable starter, but the team's lack of depth behind him has become increasingly apparent, especially in the blocking department.

The Jets made a change to their tight end room on Thursday, waiving backup tight end Brenden Bates. The Jets claimed Bates off waivers on roster-cut day with the hope that the blocking specialist could provide a boost to the team's running game.

Instead, Bates graded out as one of the worst run-blocking tight ends in the NFL and did not play in the team's Week 6 loss to the Bills. Veteran Anthony Firkser was elevated from the practice squad on Monday night and appears to have usurped Bates on the depth chart.

The Jets now have an open roster spot — Davante Adams took Chuck Clark's place on the 53-man roster after he was placed on the injured reserve — and could use that spot to promote Firker to the active roster full-time. Firkser could also be elevated from the practice squad two more times this season.