Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers took to the “The Pat McAfee Show,” Tuesday to rip his critics whom he referred to as “conspiracy theorists” after he was elevated to the 53-man roster despite still recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during Week One.
The move to activate the 40-year-old QB to practice with the team meant that the Jets had to release veteran fullback Nick Bawden who would eventually make his way back to the team on the practice squad.
“I assumed I was going to go on IR,” said Rodgers, who ironically announced on Dec. 19 that his 2023 comeback bid was over. Ironically, it came just two days after the Jets were clowned 30-0 by the Miami Dolphins. Rodgers continued by saying, “I asked to be put on IR, but then there was a conversation, ‘Do you want to practice?’ I said not at the expense of somebody getting cut. I know how this works.
“I didn’t feel like I needed to practice to continue my rehab. I could do on-the-field stuff on the side, but, obviously, I got overruled there. It is what it is. This was an interesting situation.”
“I called Nick right away,” Rodgers said. “I just said, ‘Hey, I hope you know this isn’t coming from me. I asked to be put on IR.’ He actually said, ‘Hey, look, I’m vested. I’m getting my money. I’m fine.'”
Bawden’s “vested” status meant that his $1.1 million salary was guaranteed because he was on the opening-day roster. Despite a knee injury, Bawden was elevated to play in this past weekend’s game against the Commanders. However, he has since returned to the practice squad.
It’s unclear if anyone believes Rodgers had nothing to do with his elevation. Sure, it’s not completely out of the ordinary for teams to elevate certain players off the IR so they can begin to take practice reps with the team as they get closer to game action. In Detroit, rookie QB Hendon Hooker was elevated so he could practice with the team after he suffered a torn ACL in November of 2022, his final season with Tennessee. The difference here is that Hooker’s injury happened 10 months before Rodgers’ torn Achilles and not to mention, Hooker doesn’t have the same kind of pull with the Lions that Rodgers has with the Jets. Let’s also not forget, it was Rodgers who was parading around in recent weeks throwing the football, walking without crutches, seemingly touting to the media about his recovery, planting the seeds for a return THIS SEASON.
Anyways, the Jets have announced that their quarterback, Zach Wilson, will be out for the second consecutive game due to a concussion. As a result, Trevor Siemian will start again on Thursday night for the Jets against the Cleveland Browns. Siemian had a decent performance in the last game against the Commanders, passing for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, which helped the team secure a close 30-28 win.
