New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed that Aaron Rodgers will “absolutely” remain the team’s starting quarterback and will play on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers, who will turn 41 next Monday, has struggled with injuries to his left leg during the Jets’ 3-8 start, including a sore knee, a sprained ankle, and a troublesome hamstring. Ulbrich said on Monday that Rodgers returned from the team’s bye week ready to play.
“All I can say, and you’d have to ask Aaron if he’s fully healthy, but he’s better off today than he’s been as of late,” Ulbrich said. “So he’s definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, I’m excited about what that looks like.”
NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed most of last season due to a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined to have medical scans on his injured leg in order to keep playing. Ulbrich said he wasn’t informed about this decision.
Rodgers suffered a “significant” hamstring injury against Denver in Week 4, and a sprained left ankle against Minnesota in London the following week. The four-time MVP has had trouble moving like he used to, especially when extending plays or making things happen on the run.
Rodgers said before New York’s 28-27 loss to Indianapolis that it was the healthiest he had felt in some time, but he still struggled during the game, finishing with 184 yards on 22 of 29 passes after a slow start.
There has been discussion about whether Rodgers should sit out due to his injuries and recent performance, with some wondering if Tyrod Taylor should play instead. However, when asked if there has been any talk of shutting Rodgers down, Ulbrich answered firmly: “There has not.”
When asked again about whether Rodgers will start against the Seahawks, Ulbrich said, “Absolutely.” He added that he didn’t feel the need to discuss the outside reports with Rodgers, stating that they are on the same page.
Last week, Ulbrich said that he and his staff would analyze how the team can improve after a tough stretch of losing seven out of eight games. He decided not to make any changes to the coaching staff or personnel, unless injuries occur. Ulbrich mentioned that while the team needs to improve in some areas, they also identified things they can build on.
Jets owner Woody Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday and coach Robert Saleh earlier. On Monday, the team announced they would work with The 33rd Team, a football media and analytics group, to help find a new general manager and coach.
Ulbrich stated that the changes in the organization aren’t affecting him or his staff. He remains focused on finishing the season strong. “My singular focus is just finishing the season off the right way, playing a brand of football we’re all proud of, myself included. And that starts with Seattle,” he said.
