Aaron Rodgers, at least for now, is still the starting quarterback for the New York Jets.
Rodgers, despite the Jets’ struggles and apparent injuries in recent weeks, will “absolutely” be the team’s starting quarterback Sunday in the game against the Seattle Seahawks. Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday that Rodgers has been healthier over the past month following his bye week, and that the team is not yet considering shutting him down for the remainder of the season. season.
Ulbrich also denied knowledge of reports that Rodgers resisted proposed medical tests by the Jets. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that Rodgers did not want to “reveal the severity of his injuries for fear of having to leave the field,” which is why he apparently denied medical examinations.
Although Ulbrich did not say the report was inaccurate, he insisted he knew nothing about it.
“News for me,” said Ulbrich, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.
This season hasn’t gone well for Rodgers or the Jets, who are now embarking on a complete rebuild after fire their head coach And general manager. The Jets are just 3-8 heading into Sunday’s game, and they have lost seven of their last eight. Rodgers has totaled 2,442 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, his first full with the Jets after injuring his Achilles just four games into his first game with the organization last season.
The 40-year-old has also suffered numerous injuries this season. He suffered a knee injury, a “significant” hamstring injury and a sprained ankle, although he played through all of those injuries. Rodgers was described as “banged up” by Rapoport, a very broad term, but it’s unclear how serious these injuries actually are – especially if Rodgers is indeed refusing to undergo testing.
Although Rodgers’ future with the organization is unclear and the team is almost certain to miss the playoffs this season, Rodgers will take the field Sunday at MetLife Stadium. What happens next, both for him and the Jets as a whole, is anyone’s guess.
