Robert Saleh Dismisses Rumored Aaron Rodgers Injury Struggles, Claims the QB Has No Restrictions

After suffering a devastating Achilles tear just four snaps into his debut with the New York Jets last season, Aaron Rodgers faced a long road to recovery. Despite the injury, he began practicing again late in the season, which was a promising sign for Jets fans.

The Jets are counting on Rodgers to lead them in the upcoming season, starting with a highly anticipated game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, September 9. Recently Jets head coach Robert Saleh firmly dismissed Rodgers’ injury rumours and hinted at A-Rod’s readiness to start the 2024 season without any restrictions.

Robert Saleh opened up on Aaron Rodgers’ recovery

Robert said to reporters at a press conference on Tuesday, “He looks good, man. The arm talent, obviously, is still there. But it’s really just re-acclimating to everything. We’re trying a bunch of new stuff, too. Just trying to evolve within the offense. He’s doing everything.” Saleh’s confidence in Rodgers is clear. This news is particularly encouraging given the severity of an Achilles injury, which can often be career-threatening for athletes.

Last season, Rodgers’s significant move from the Packers to the Jets was seen as a chance to revitalize the team and help them reach the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. With no restrictions on his participation during the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the 40-year-old is ready to give his best. His connection to the 49ers is personal, stemming from his childhood and the 2005 NFL Draft. Being passed over by the 49ers back then is something that still motivates him. 

However, along with gearing up for the upcoming season, he is being quite active in ongoing matches. He was seen at the Yankee Stadium on Monday. He attended the game as a guest of Marcus Stroman, the starting pitcher in the Yankees’ 5-4 defeat against the Mariners.

A-Rod sparks curiosity at Yankee Stadium

YES Network cameras caught Rodgers wearing a Yankees hat and conversing with someone in a suite. Yankees announcer Todd Frazier remarked, “(I) wonder what he’s talking about right there?” Play-by-play announcer Michael Kay responded, “Could be anything,” via Awful Announcing.

Kay likely meant that in the most literal sense, considering Rodgers’ history of being outspoken on various topics. Over the years, A-Rod has been one of the more vocal athletes in professional sports, particularly with his political views and opinions on vaccinations, especially regarding COVID-19.

One example of this is his interaction with Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce. Kelce appeared in advertisements for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines, which prompted Rodgers to challenge him to a two-on-two debate. A-Rod suggested teaming up with anti-vaxxer and 2024 independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, while Kelce could team up with former White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci or another pro-vaccine advocate.

His ongoing involvement in public discourse, even when sidelined by injury, demonstrates his influential presence in sports and beyond. But is seems that the veteran is finally all set to reclaim his gridiron glory, at least per HC Saleh.