Robert Saleh admits Aaron Rodgers’ shocking absence from Jets minicamp is ‘unexcused’

Aaron Rodgers was unavailable for the team's minicamp on the 11th and 12th of June.

Robert Saleh admits Aaron Rodgers’ shocking absence from Jets minicamp is ‘unexcused’

Jets head coach Robert Saleh with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Via Imago)

After being active in the entire offseason and OTAs, Aaron Rodgers was absent from the most important offseason program– the mandatory minicamp. These minicamp holds special importance as they are organized from a safety and health point of view.

Given Rodgers’ serious injury that had kept him benched for the entire 2023 season, his presence was even more crucial, especially since the New York Jets are once again handing over the ropes of the entire offense in his hands.

While talking to the media, the Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh addressed Rodgers’ absence from the mandatory minicamp and gave a reason for that. He shared that the former NFL MVP had to attend an event “important to him” but his absence wasn’t excused because of that.

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Aaron [Rodgers] and I spoke before OTAs started. He’s been very good in communication. He’s been here the entire time. It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated to me.
Robert Saleh said at the pre-practice press conference

Unfortunately for the Jets, Rodgers isn’t the only Pro Bowler missing the mandatory minicamp as defensive tackle Haason Reddick has also been sitting out team activities in order to land a deserving extension for which he is eligible. However, the Jets did not excuse both of the absences and had held them subject to a fine.

Tyrod Taylor takes first-team reins as Aaron Rodgers sits out minicamp

While addressing Rodgers’ absence, the Jets head coach revealed that the quarterback had communicated about his absence a while ago, as the dates conflicted with another important event. Saleh also said that the Jets remain confident about his progression and grasp of the playbook as Rodgers is entering his 20th season in the NFL. 

Additionally, the Jets had decided to use this opportunity to test second-string quarterback Tyrod Taylor with the starting offense. He was scheduled for the first team snaps a while ago when Rodgers informed about his future absence.

Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor (Via X-Factor)

Robert Saleh shared that while the team has confidence in Rodgers, taking snaps with the first team during the mandatory minicamp is more beneficial for Taylor, who has been working on improving his game with the team’s offense.

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