The Jets are excited to get star quarterback Aaron Rodgers back on the field this season. For now, though, he'll remain off it.
Rodgers' first season in New York lasted just four snaps due to a torn Achilles. But he's preparing for the 2024 season, including some on-field work during OTAs, in which he showcased a connection with Garrett Wilson and rookie Malachi Corley.
Yet he wasn't present for the start of Jets minicamp Tuesday. Minicamp is mandatory, so Rodgers will be subject to fines as long as he sits out.
Rodgers' absence leaves Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis as the top two options on the Jets' QB depth chart to start minicamp. Taylor worked with the first team on Tuesday, getting in some reps with the offense's top weapons.
Here's what you need to know about why Rodgers wasn't present at Jets minicamp Tuesday.
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Where is Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers is missing the start of mandatory minicamp because he "had an event that was very important to him," coach Robert Saleh told reporters Tuesday.
While Saleh claims Rodgers told him in advance that he wouldn't be available for the start of minicamp, the absence is still considered unexcused. Asked whether he is disappointed by Rodgers' absence, Saleh said he isn't.
"He's been here the entire time. It's [unexcused], but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated," Saleh said. The details of Rodgers' event aren't clear.
"He had something that was very important to him. If it's important to him, it's important to us."
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 11, 2024
Robert Saleh was asked if he's disappointed in Aaron Rodgers not being present to start minicamp: pic.twitter.com/xbg0RSrA33
On Wednesday, it was reported that Rodgers was on a trip somewhere, and that is why he was away from the team, according to The Athletic. The organization knew he was going to miss the week, and his absence was not a surprise to the staff.
The Jets have already seen Rodgers on the field this offseason, which undoubtedly relieved some concerns for the franchise. He participated fully in OTAs and worked with some of his biggest weapons while avoiding injuries.
Rodgers' decision certainly doesn't sound as concerning for the Jets as the absence of edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is officially holding out of minicamp in hopes of a new contract after Saleh indicated he expected Reddick to show up. The Jets acquired the veteran pass-rusher from the Eagles in March, but he's made it clear he isn't happy with his current deal.
Rodgers has no qualms about his contract or any health issues, or at least none have been reported ahead of the minicamp. That's likely all Saleh and the Jets need to hear at this point, as they trust their quarterback to be ready to go in time for training camp next month.
There is no word on whether Rodgers will be back at any point during the three-day minicamp, which ends Thursday.
MORE: Is Robert Saleh on the hot seat in 2024?
Is Aaron Rodgers injured?
Rodgers is fully healthy after last year's Achilles tear, by all indications. The veteran quarterback was "doing everything" during OTAs, Saleh told reporters, and there was no indication Tuesday that Rodgers' absence had anything to do with his health.
Keeping Rodgers healthy will be the one of the biggest challenges for the Jets in 2024. The four-time MVP doesn't exactly have a lengthy injury history beyond the Achilles tear and a pair of broken collarbones, but he's set to turn 41 in December and will be playing behind a remade but unproven offensive line.
New York brought in three new starters on the offensive line in March, also getting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker back from injury plus spending a first-round pick on tackle Olu Fashanu.
Jets quarterbacks, from Rodgers on those opening snaps to Zach Wilson throughout the year, got beaten up by opposing defense in 2023. New York can't afford to let that happen to Rodgers again given his age, so protecting the quarterback could be a focus of minicamp — even if the quarterback the offensive line will be protecting isn't present.