New Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is preparing for a comeback season after missing 2023-24 with an Achilles injury. Rodgers worked hard in rehab and is in a position to be a major contributor for New York in the Fall. Nevertheless, the star QB reportedly has not shown up to the Jets' mandatory minicamp. As a result, local newspapers are giving him major flack.
The New York Post and New York Daily News gave Rodgers what NBC's Pro Football Talk describes as “the back page business.” The Post devoted the back cover to Rodgers with the headline “Full of Hot Aar.” Meanwhile, the Daily News went with an image of an empty Rodgers uniform with the headline “Call Him Aaron Dodgers,” as described by NBC Sports' Mike Florio.
Aaron Rodgers' scrutiny comes in the wake of his summer minicamp absence, which fans and analysts are highly skeptical of. In early January, Rodgers made a bold statement when asked what could be learned from the Jets' 2023 campaign.
“The bulls**t that has nothing to do with winning, needs to get out of the building,” Rodgers said, via The Athletic.
His statement is ironic given that his absence is not contributing to the betterment of the team. Despite the public backlash, there is a reason for Rodgers' no-show.
Why Aaron Rodgers is not present for Jets minicamp
Rodgers is reportedly attending an “event that is important to him,” per Ian Rapoport. Rodgers' absence is unexcused, but head coach Robert Saleh emphasized that the QB and the team are on the same page. Reporters revealed more insight on Rodgers' rumored trip.
“Aaron Rodgers planned this trip when he was still rehabbing. The Jets have known about it from the moment there was an overlap with the release of the minicamp schedule. Rodgers is “unexcused” because you can't excuse a trip, but not a contract dispute (Haason Reddick). Semantics, but there's no unrest inside the building,” NFL Reporter Connor Hughes wrote on X.
“The Jets don't think it's a big deal, not sure why the world is reacting differently. Rodgers missing these two days (after being at every voluntary workout the last two years) will have zero impact on what New York/Rodgers accomplish this coming season,” Hughes added.
It seems that Rodgers still retains plans to return to the team and help them have an improved showing for the upcoming season. The veteran QB joined the Jets in April of 2023 when the Green Bay Packers traded him in a blockbuster move.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets had high expectations entering the 2023-24 season. However, the star QB suffered a devastating Achilles injury that caused him to miss the entire year. Rogers made an inspiring recovery and flirted with the idea of an early return. Yet, he and the Jets rightfully played things safe in preparation for the 2024-25 season.
With a revamped squad, Rodgers and New York are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Can the Jets overcome the fierce competition in the AFC and make a deep postseason run in 2025?
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