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Rich Cimini, ESPN writer
While quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ long-term future with the New York Jets remains a question mark, the short term is clear.
Rodgers will “absolutely” start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, according to interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who said Monday that there has been no internal discussion about him being shut down for the rest of the season.
The Jets (3-8), coming off their bye week, are close to mathematical elimination. That, along with Rodgers’ poor season and several leg ailments since early in the season, has led to reports that he may be benched or placed on injured reserve.
“All I can say, and you’d have to ask Aaron if he’s completely healthy, is that he’s better today than he has been lately,” Ulbrich said. “So he definitely feels healthier than he probably has in the last month. And a healthy Aaron Rodgers is an Aaron Rodgers that we all love. So I’m excited about what that’s going to look like.”
Rodgers battled knee, hamstring and ankle injuries in September and October, but practiced thoroughly before the final two games. A report over the weekend said the four-time MVP refused medical imaging tests in order to continue playing. Ulbrich dismissed that report, saying, “News to me.”
The Jets’ once-promising season has taken an ugly turn, with owner Woody Johnson firing coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. That has shifted the focus to Rodgers, who turns 41 on Monday.
He recently said he would like to play in 2025, although his return to the Jets seems unlikely. A source told ESPN last week that he would be “surprised” if Johnson approves of Rodgers’ return, although the owner could leave it up to his new general manager and coach.
Rodgers will also have a say and may not want to play for a new coaching staff again. He has a contract until 2025, but none of his salary is guaranteed. The Jets’ backup is Tyrod Taylor, who is signed for 2025.
Amid speculation about Rodgers’ future, Ulbrich didn’t feel the need to clear things up with Rodgers on Monday, his first day back from the bye week.
“No, I feel like we’re on the same page,” Ulbrich said. “I think we’re both people like that, not to say I’m completely devoid of knowledge of what’s going on outside of this building, but my focus is here and on what I can control. I think he feels the same way. From that point of view Look, we’ve been on the same page from the beginning.
Rodgers, who has started every game, ranks 24th among 33 qualified passers in Total QBR, a below-average 51.4. He has no 300-yard passing games, extending his drought to 33 in a row, and the offense has yet to reach the 30-point mark.
“I want to be very clear about his work ethic and his process this year,” passing game coordinator Todd Downing said Monday. “He’s worked extremely hard. That didn’t change coming back from the break.”
The Jets have a 0.7% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN analysis. Maybe Rodgers’ dynamic will change once they’re eliminated. The quarterback has not commented in eight days following their 28-27 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In his postgame press conference, he repeatedly expressed his disappointment with the season.
The franchise is one loss away from its ninth consecutive losing season. Linebacker CJ Mosley, a captain, doesn’t expect any resignations.
“You really don’t have to worry about anyone in this building if your mentality is, ‘We’re 3-8, I’m done. I’m out of here. I’m retired. I don’t want to play anymore.'” … If anyone on our team thinks that way, it will show very quickly and I know I will report it.”
