Is the Jets’ future really secure? Many would beg to differ. The New York Jets have been in the highlights for all the wrong reasons, again. Aaron Rodgers missing the mandatory training camp has become another point of debate and this time, Robert Saleh is taking all the heat, even more than the 4x NFL MVP, despite clearing the important reasons.

A-Rod absence due to personal reasons revolving vacation plan was an “unexcused” absence. Emmanuel Acho didn’t miss his opportunity to take a jab at Rodgers and put the QB’s ex-teammate James Jones in a tough spot. Jones still decided to side with the Super Bowl winner and the team Jets. “As important as this mandatory minicamp is, 4%, Robert Saleh said we’re going to cancel it,” said the former Packers receiver.

4% is the amount of training camp that Aaron Rodgers gave up on when he decided to bail on the practice, but that’s not something that James Jones is concerned about. “I’m very very proud of my man Aaron Rodgers,” and explained, “Since Aaron Rodgers has become a New York Jet, he’s done everything right except get hurt.” But while Rodgers missing out on the minicamp hurts the sentiments of lots of Jets fans, Jones explained why his attendance is not so important.

“First day, you got out there you have a little practice, no veterans take any reps. The second day, team bonding activity, paintballing, ice hockey, whatever you want to do,” explained Jones and further stated, “The third day, you go home. So I know everybody is really jumping on this ‘mandatory’ word, but it is not that serious with mandatory.”

Even the Jets head coach indirectly showcased trust in the veteran. “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,” said Saleh to the reporters.

But the question begs, is it really that big of a deal? Robert Saleh canceled the mandatory training camp last year on account of the Hall of Fame game against the Cleveland Browns. But the Jets are in a more desperate position this year. Acho pointed out that starting tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are into their first season with the Jets, so Rodgers missing out doesn’t really help with strengthening the team. And there are others like Smith and Moses, who are newly inducted into the Jets’ roster.

Rodgers’ familiarity with the Jets’ roster seems ambiguous 

Though he’s been with the Jets for a year now, Rodgers might not be familiar with every player on the team. Either because he hasn’t played an actual NFL game in over a year and also because players like the RB Breece Hall are still fairly inexperienced on the field having played just one season in its entirety. Jets’ other RB Braelon Allen is also a rookie, who still needs a veteran QB presence to get himself game-ready.

Technically, it is also Joe Tippmann’s first year with Aaron Rodgers because the QB didn’t play last year with him because of the QBs absence. Similarly, receivers like Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and rookie Malachi Corley would be stepping on the field with the 4x MVP for the first time and there’s not much time left. Acho also pointed out that this is technically Robert Saleh’s first year with Rodgers if his QB takes on the field. Thus, are the Jets really prepared for what’s coming for them?

“You don’t have the luxury to give up practice days,” said Acho and added, “You [Rodgers] were already behind and you’re going to give up these practice days to make you further behind.” While it all boils down to success metrics and grand results, the Jets don’t have a good story to tell for the last season. All eyes with remain on Rodgers-led Jets and whether he will be able to turn the game around for Green Army.