There’s been a lot of chatter about Aaron Rodgers lately. The media just can’t stop blowing things when it comes to him. Whether it’s about his injury, when he’s coming back, or his decision to skip mandatory minicamp, they’re all over it. Even though his team seems okay with everything, he’s still getting a lot of heat from outsiders. Former American Football defensive end Chris Canty jumped into the situation on his radio show, questioning if Aaron Rodgers is even the guy anymore.

Canty has some doubts about Rodgers, be it his age or the fact that he’s coming off an Achilles injury. He said, “The New York Jets, I don’t think they got the guy. 40-year-old quarterback coming off of an Achilles injury. I just don’t believe that we’re going to see the same version of Aaron Rodgers that won back-to-back MVPs three years ago.” He also mentioned how fast things change in the NFL, pointing out how good Russell Wilson is getting with time whereas Aaron has fallen off. 

On August 23, when an ESPN reporter asked the same to Ex-New York Jets’ player Brat Scott, he criticized Chris asking, “Who hurt you? And what the hell did you just say, Chris Canty?” Saying there’s no comparison of A-Rod, “Russell Wilson! This is the guy you’re going to compare to one of the greatest quarterbacks, arm talent, skill-wise, four-time MVP? What are you talking about?” He emphasized that Rodgers is still the best quarterback, even in a league with younger QBs, who wouldn’t be able to match up against him.

Russell Wilson is an accomplished quarterback with an impressive career. He has been named to the Pro Bowl nine times and helped Seattle win their first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLVIII. Right now is battling for the starter QB position at the Steelers with Justin Fields. Rodgers is equally amazing, with achievements, 10 Pro Bowls, 4 MVP awards, and a Super Bowl win. However, often misunderstood, which leads to controversies. This time, the drama was about him skipping the mandatory minicamp to attend a pre-planned. Coach Saleh didn’t have a problem with it, but the media still criticized him. It’s a classic case of how even top players can’t avoid the spotlight and criticism.

After all the controversies Jets’ player never left his side. Jets’ Offensive Tackle Tyron Smith supported him, saying, “he’s one of the greats out there. We’re just trying to keep up with the man.” They believe in A-Rod’s potential, and even if he might not play in the preseason finale, the team is expecting to get him on the field during the season.

Will Aaron Rodgers play with the Jets during the pre-season finale?

If you’re a Jets fan hoping to see Aaron Rodgers play in the preseason, you might be disappointed. While Aaron Rodgers mentioned using the preseason to shake off some rust after 11 months, he doesn’t think it’s necessary. “I don’t think I need to [play preseason],” Rodgers said, according to Sarah Effress of Sporting News. He mentioned that practice is more important than preseason games, which he views as not real football. 

The coach is worried about injuries, so Rodgers might not be a part of a preseason finale. Saleh mentioned, “Different reasons last year, as compared to this year,” about his decision to play Rodgers and others against the Giants last August. He didn’t go into details but made it clear that he didn’t want Rodgers getting hurt. So, if you’re hoping to see him play in the preseason, you might be out of luck.

It feels like the rumors about Aaron Rodgers are a never-ending drama. However, if he believes in himself and the team supports him, nothing else matters. As Bart Scott says, it’s absurd to think Aaron Rodgers has fallen off as a player, we still think he has it in him to go all the way.