NY Jets reveal Aaron Rodgers' status for Saturday's preseason finale

The NY Jets are just days away from their preseason finale against the New York Giants this Saturday. Unfortunately, for Jets fans hoping to see Aaron Rodgers and the starters take the field before Week 1, they might be a little disappointed.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh revealed on Thursday that Rodgers and the rest of the team's starters will not play in Saturday's game. Saleh said that the list of available players for the game will be consistent with the team's first two preseason outings.

That means that not only will Rodgers not play but the Jets will also be resting essentially all of their starters and key backups. Adrian Martinez and Andrew Peasley are expected to play quarterback. The rest of the starting lineups will consist of rookies and veterans fighting for roster spots.

Rodgers told reporters earlier this week that he had "no preference" between playing in the preseason or sitting out for the final game. Saleh has made the decision to avoid any further risk and rest everyone.

Is Aaron Rodgers playing in the preseason?

Rodgers is still less than 12 months removed from his torn Achilles, and while the four-time MVP has been cleared to practice for months now, the Jets are understandably being cautious with their star quarterback. He will not play on Saturday.

The Jets previously held Rodgers out of not only their first two preseason games but also their joint practice with the Washington Commanders a couple of weeks ago due to weather conditions. They're not taking any chances.

Rodgers did appear in the Jets' final preseason game of 2023, taking the field for two drives against the Giants. But with so much riding on Rodgers' health this season, the Jets see no reason to risk anything.

The Jets have notably run a very challenging and grueling training camp this summer. Rodgers called this year's camp one of the hardest that he's ever taken part in throughout his 20-year NFL career. That likely played a role in Saleh's decision.

Rodgers will make officially his return to the gridiron in Week 1 on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, nearly one year to the day that he tore his Achilles.

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