Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Is Dealing With An Injury
12/24/2024 12:31 PM
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has started every game so far this season in his return from a torn Achilles.
With two games to go, Rodgers has insisted on remaining in the lineup, despite the fact the Jets are 4-11 and eliminated from playoff contention. However, the four-time MVP's status for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills appears to be in doubt. Rodgers was banged up in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, though he never actually missed any snaps.
On Tuesday, Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich told reporters that Rodgers is dealing with a knee issue. While he wouldn't commit to Rodgers starting, Ulbrich said he'd "bet" that the veteran quarterback will be out there.
Should Rodgers have to sit, backup Tyrod Taylor would take his place. Taylor has appeared in only one game this year, the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, when he completed 6-of-8 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.
Rodgers has not looked like his vintage self this season, though his overall statistics--3,511 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 62.8% completion percentage--are solid.
Rodgers is under contract through the 2025 season, but said this week on "The Pat McAfee Show" he thinks it's possible the Jets will release him next month.
"I think there's a world where they just say, 'Hey, thank you, we're going to go in another direction' on January 6th," Rodgers said, via ESPN's Rich Cimini. "...That's a possibility. I think there's also a possibility we're going to wait and see who the new staff is."
For now, Rodgers will try to finish what has been a lost season on a high note.
"You gotta figure out what it means to be a professional," Rodgers said this week. "That's an important part of building culture. The last two weeks we can really see who's on board moving forward and who is ready to get out. It's just part of the game. I've been on a couple of teams who were out of it, and it's interesting to watch the practice habits, the preparation habits.
"Hopefully, we'll do the right thing, and it means a lot because everybody's watching, and it's a who-you-know business. There will be interesting conversations in the next couple of weeks, but just focus on the relationships we have with each other and try to finish this thing out like a pro."
Related: Aaron Rodgers Has Officially Put His Jets Teammates On Notice
