Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't participated in preseason games since 2018, is set to make his debut with the New York Jets against the New York Giants in the preseason finale. This information was confirmed by a source on Sunday.
Rodgers, aged 39, has been actively involved in all training camp practices. However, he remained on the sidelines as backup quarterback Zach Wilson took the field for the first three games. The four-time MVP will have a brief opportunity to prepare before the Jets kick off their regular season against the Buffalo Bills on September 11 in a "Monday Night Football" matchup.
The decision to play Rodgers isn't unexpected, as Coach Robert Saleh had hinted at the possibility of Rodgers facing the Giants at the beginning of the preseason.
"I would be open to playing in the preseason," Rodgers mentioned recently. "If Robert were to say, 'Let's do it,' I wouldn't mind."
During his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers participated in preseason games for the initial 14 years of his career. His most recent preseason appearance was a brief cameo in Week 2 of 2018 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he completed 2 out of 4 passes for 35 yards and a touchdown in five snaps.
From 2019 to 2022, Rodgers opted not to play in any preseason games.
The final preseason game for the Jets will serve as a dress rehearsal, implying that most of the starting lineup will likely be on the field. Certain players, such as wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running backs Breece Hall and recently signed Dalvin Cook, have yet to make an appearance in a game.
Hall, who underwent ACL surgery last October, has only had limited practice repetitions since returning last week. He is expected to be fully prepared for the start of the regular season. Cook, who agreed to terms this past Monday, has yet to join practice. However, Cook stated that he would be ready to play "within a few days," as he completes the final stages of rehab following shoulder surgery in February.
The Jets are also anticipating the return of left tackle Duane Brown, who is still on the physically unable to perform list due to shoulder surgery during the offseason. Brown's status will be assessed again this week, according to Saleh.
The offensive line has been a concern throughout training camp. It's assumed that guards Laken Tomlinson (leg) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), who both sat out the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be available for the preseason finale. Otherwise, having Rodgers play behind an improvised offensive line could be seen as a questionable decision.
The Jets have experienced unfortunate quarterback injuries when facing the Giants in preseason games. In 2013, Mark Sanchez sustained a shoulder injury that ended his season during the fourth quarter of the game. Similarly, in 2003, Chad Pennington suffered a left-hand injury (non-throwing hand) and missed the initial six games of the regular season.