Jets coach Robert Saleh says there’s ‘no issue’ with Aaron Rodgers’ minicamp absence
Aaron Rodgers’ absence from the New York Jets’ two-day minicamp is not a concern for head coach Robert Saleh or the team.
The quarterback’s absence became a topic of discussion when Saleh announced on Tuesday that both Rodgers and edge rusher Haason Reddick would miss the minicamp. Their absences were categorized as unexcused, making them liable for fines.
Saleh explained that Rodgers was away due to a prior commitment that he had informed the team about in advance. In contrast, Reddick’s absence seems to be linked to a contract issue.
When asked on Wednesday if Rodgers knew the team would label his absence as “unexcused,” Saleh clarified, “I talked about it yesterday, but Aaron and I are on the exact same page. There’s no issue between Aaron — or his teammates, for that matter. So, like I said, we addressed it yesterday. It’s more of an issue for everyone outside the building than it is inside. And that’s about it.”
Saleh emphasized that Rodgers had notified the team about his plans beforehand. However, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor revealed he only found out he would be leading the starting offense on Tuesday morning. This indicated that neither Rodgers nor the Jets informed Taylor or possibly other teammates about Rodgers’ non-attendance.
“It’s a one-on-one conversation,” Saleh said of his discussion with Rodgers. “That’s not something the team needed to know about.”
Rodgers’ specific whereabouts were not disclosed by Saleh. The quarterback had participated in the Jets’ voluntary offseason workouts and practices while recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon that cut his season short after just four snaps last year.
“He’s been here for the majority of practices that weren’t mandatory,” cornerback D.J. Reed said. “I think I saw something that said Coach said A.R. had something important he had to attend. That’s our quarterback and if it’s important to him, it’s important to us. It’s really not a big deal.”
Both Rodgers and Reddick face $50,861 fines for missing the two days of minicamp practices.
