FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the New York Jets’ starters will not play in the preseason finale against the Giants on Saturday night, coach Robert Saleh announced Thursday.
Rodgers said Tuesday that he didn’t “really have a preference” as to whether he played in the game, which will be the Jets’ final dress rehearsal leading into the regular-season opener at San Francisco on Sept. 9.
That will mark the first game action for the 40-year-old Rodgers since he tore his left Achilles tendon on his fourth snap in his debut with the Jets last year. The four-time NFL MVP is healthy and had a standout training camp, showing no signs of the injury.
“I feel good about where I’m at with my body and what I’ve kind of put together,” he said Tuesday.
Saleh told reporters before the teams’ joint practice Wednesday that he decided whether to play the first-teamers but wouldn’t divulge the plan because he hadn’t yet told the players.
He said Thursday he thought the extended work the starters and key backups got in three joint practices with Washington, Carolina and the Giants was more valuable than what they might get in the preseason finale.
Saleh said rookie Adrian Martinez, last season’s UFL MVP, will get the start against the Giants and fellow rookie Andrew Peasley will play the second half — meaning Tyrod Taylor, Rodgers’ veteran backup, also will sit.
Rodgers and the starters played two series last year in the preseason finale against the Giants. Rodgers connected with Garrett Wilson for a touchdown on the Jets’ second possession.
