Aaron Rodgers held out of NY Jets joint practice as a precaution

The NY Jets are hosting their first joint practice of the summer on Thursday as the Washington Commanders have made the trip to Florham Park ahead of the team's preseason meeting this Saturday.

Unfortunately, anyone hoping to see the Jets' starters go up against Washington's best will be disappointed. That's because starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is being held out of Thursday's practice as a precautionary measure.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Thursday morning that Rodgers would not be practicing due to heavy rain in the area. The two teams are still going forward with the practice despite the inclement weather, but the Jets don't want to take any chances with their star QB.

Saleh insisted that Rodgers will return to practice on Monday following the team's preseason opener this weekend. The Jets' decision to hold Rodgers out might ruffle a few feathers, but it's probably the right decision.

NY Jets are playing it safe with Aaron Rodgers this summer

There's no reason for Saleh and the Jets to take any chances with Rodgers this summer. Rainy and slippery fields can be a recipe for disaster for quarterbacks. It only takes one freak accident to send the Jets' entire season into a tailspin again. Playing it safe is a wise decision.

Rodgers has been cleared for months and has participated fully in every practice dating back to the spring. He's healthy, but at the same time, there's no reason to push the limits of a 40-year-old quarterback who tore his Achilles less than 12 months ago.

The Jets' entire hopes this season rest on the shoulders of their quarterback. They have genuine Super Bowl aspirations because of the man taking snaps under center. Risking his health for a joint practice in early August doesn't seem smart.

Rodgers has still been spotted on the sideline supporting his teammates, essentially acting as an additional coach for the day. He doesn't need to be out there on the slippery grass field.

The Jets are committed to playing it safe with Rodgers this summer as they hope for a clean bill of health in 2024. This is absolutely for the best.

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