NFL Insider Dianna Russini reported in The Athletic that “it appears increasingly likely” the four-time MVP could be placed on injured reserve or even benched in the coming weeks, potentially marking the end of his turbulent tenure with the Jets.
Ulbrich dismissed the notion of shutting Rodgers down, stating there had been no discussions of that nature.
Ulbrich Addresses Rodgers’ Health Status
Throughout the season, Rodgers has battled multiple injuries, including issues with his ankle, knees, and hamstring.
Coming off the bye week, Ulbrich was asked if Rodgers was fully healthy.
“You’d have to ask Aaron if he is fully healthy, but he’s better off today than he’s been as of late. So he’s definitely feeling healthier than he has for probably the last month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. Excited about what that looks like,” Ulbrich explained.
On Sunday, November 24, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport shared a report claiming Rodgers had been avoiding medical scans.
“One source explained that Rodgers has resisted getting scans done, not wanting to reveal the severity of his injuries out of fear of having to come off the field. He has insisted that he keep playing,” Rapoport said.
When asked about the validity of this report, Ulbrich responded, “I have not been informed of that either way. That is news to me.”
The situation is reminiscent of the Jets’ 2008 collapse when Brett Favre played through a torn biceps that was hidden from the injury report. That year, the team started 8-3 but finished 1-4.
Unlike with Favre, the Jets never experienced an early-season high with Rodgers. Instead of starting 8-3, the Jets sit at 3-8, with playoff hopes reduced to a meager 0.7%, per ESPN analytics via Rich Cimini.
Jets Playing for Pride Over the Final Stretch
For all practical purposes, the Jets’ 2024 season is over. Winning their final six games to make the playoffs is a long shot. Instead, the team is left fighting for pride.
Rodgers, however, has more on the line.
Through 11 games, he has completed 63.4% of his passes, thrown for 2,442 yards, and posted 17 touchdowns against 7 interceptions.
How he performs in the final stretch could shape his future. A strong finish might keep the door open for his return. With a new regime taking over, there’s no guarantee of their stance on Rodgers. The better he plays, the stronger his case for staying.
