Ex-NFL General Manager Advocates for Aaron Rodgers to Participate in Preseason Games

Former NFL GM Says Aaron Rodgers Should Play In Preseason


FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 04: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws the ball during New York Jets OTA Offseason Workouts at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 04, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey.
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers sat out mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason, creating a minor stir in the NFL community.

While he created an excuse for himself, plenty felt he should’ve attended, especially since he’s the leader of the Jets’ offense and hasn’t gotten many reps with his teammates due to his Achilles injury in Week 1 of last season.

Training camp began for the team on Tuesday, and now the question is whether Rodgers will play in its preseason games.

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said on ESPN’s “NFL Live” that Rodgers needs to play in the team’s exhibition contests in order to truly experience being back to full football activities following his devastating injury last September.

Tannenbaum added that doing so is extra important because New York will start the regular season at the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 on “Monday Night Football.”

But former player Ryan Clark disagreed and made an analogy to rationing cologne when he was in high school.

“Hell no, you don’t put Aaron Rodgers out there until it’s time for real games,” Clark said.

Rodgers was traded to the Jets last offseason after he was the face of the Green Bay Packers since 2008 when he took over under center after Brett Favre left, and thus he has gotten very few reps with his offensive teammates.

In addition, the Jets have a couple of new faces this year on offense, such as wide receiver Mike Williams and offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

Getting off to a strong start will be of paramount importance for Rodgers and the Jets, especially given how loaded the AFC is.