New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have “no restrictions” when OTAs begin on May 20 amid his recovery from a torn Achilles, head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Friday.
“Once phase three hits, we’re not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can’t do with him,” Saleh said.
Phase three of OTAs last four weeks and is when players are allowed to participate in non-contact, 11-on-11 work.
“The guy can still sling it,” Saleh added. “Obviously, he’s still working through his rehab, but there are no issues on the trajectory on which he’s going.”
Everyone knows how Rodgers’ first season in the Big Apple unfolded. Four snaps into the campaign, he suffered a torn Achilles that kept him out for the remainder of the year. The four-time MVP toyed with what would’ve been an unprecedented comeback but couldn’t beat modern science.
Ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, Rodgers was reporting his recovery was coming along nicely and that his Achilles “has absolutely zero pain or issues.”
The Jets made some solid additions this spring, moves that addressed issues that may have doomed their title hopes regardless of whether Rodgers had been on the field.
Mike Williams was a big upgrade at wide receiver alongside Garrett Wilson, while Tyron Smith, John Simpson and Morgan Moses bolstered the offensive line. The team doubled down on the O-line by using the No. 11 overall pick on Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.
Still, the franchise’s fortunes will hinge squarely on the performance of Rodgers. It’s hard to map out a scenario in which the Jets are contending without the 40-year-old both staying healthy and playing at a high level.
Tyrod Taylor might be better than what New York was throwing out there at quarterback after Rodgers’ Achilles tear, but the team will be in serious trouble if he’s pressed into starting duty for an extended stretch.
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