Is Aaron Rodgers playing tonight? Latest updates for NY Jets preseason Week 3

The NY Jets are preparing for their preseason finale against the New York Giants later tonight. This game will mark the last opportunity for a number of players to make a lasting impression ahead of final roster cuts this Tuesday.

This isn't a game in which the Jets will be evaluating Aaron Rodgers or any of their core starters. The goal of this game for both teams will be to finalize their 53-man roster and practice squad spots.

The Jets are hoping to complete a perfect preseason after winning each of their first two exhibition games of the summer. They're also looking to improve their preseason winning streak against the Giants to four games, six if you include their regular-season meetings in 2019 and 2023.

But who should Jets fans expect to play in this game? Is Rodgers going to be suiting up for the first time since his Achilles tear nearly a year ago?

Is Aaron Rodgers playing tonight?

No, Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Jets' starters will not be playing in tonight's preseason game. Jets head coach Robert Saleh made the decision to hold Rodgers and the remainder of the team's starters out this week following a successful joint practice with the Giants.

Saleh is playing it safe with Rodgers and the starters, a product of the Jets running a more intense than usual training camp this summer. Rodgers remarked this week that this was one of the most difficult training camps he's ever been a part of.

The Jets also held Rodgers out for their first two preseason games last summer, although he did play two drives in the team's summer finale against the Giants. Saleh is taking a different approach this year.

That could be due to the fact that Rodgers is still coming off that torn Achilles, and maybe the Jets don't want to risk anything. It should also be noted that Rodgers isn't the only factor here, however — the Jets haven't played any of their starters this summer.

If the Jets were to play Rodgers, that would mean the entire starting offensive line would also have to play. That would mean guys like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson would be forced to suit up. Those are injury risks that Saleh is not willing to take.

The first time that Aaron Rodgers takes the field for a football game since his unfortunate injury will be in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. For tonight, Jets fans should expect to see plenty of Adrian Martinez and Andrew Peasley.

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