The New York Jets have a divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills in Week 17 at Highmark Stadium, and there appears to be a bit of a question about who will be under center for them when they face their AFC East rival. On Tuesday, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich told reporters that Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a knee injury he suffered during Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Ulbrich left Rodgers’ status for the game up in the air, but gave an optimistic view of the situation and said he is hopeful he will be ready to play. “Honestly, it’s too early to tell,” Ulbrich said. “If I’m a bettor, I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play.”
Rodgers made his status much clearer on Tuesday, telling reporters that he is “going to play” on Sunday despite dealing with an MCL issue. He added that his knee “feels pretty good” and that he’s dealt with worse before.
When asked about Rodgers’ status and whether there is a genuine concern that he will be sidelined, Ulbrich said: “With him, probably not in all honesty. The guy has played… he does whatever it takes to get on the field the Sunday. I would anticipate trying to do the same this week.”
The Jets are planning to hold an extended walk-through practice on Tuesday before ramping things up later in the week, which is when Rodgers’ status should come into better focus.
“The fact that we’re in a tutorial helps for today,” Ulbrich said. “Then we’ll have more information on Thursday when we go full speed and see where it is.”
After missing virtually all of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon, Rodgers has been solid during the 2024 campaign, playing in 98.6% of offensive snaps (second most on the team). Rodgers didn’t miss a snap in Sunday’s loss, which is a positive indication of his prospects for playing this week. If he can’t go, the Jets will have Tyrod Taylor as the primary backup quarterback.
