Aaron Rodgers to skip entire Jets mandatory minicamp, seeking time "away from football": report
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers plans to skip the entire mandatory minicamp. It's reported that Rodgers is skipping it as he seeks time away from football.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini took to social media on Wednesday to report the news that Rodgers is skipping the mandatory minicamp.
"Aaron Rodgers is skipping all of Jets mandatory minicamp this week because he prefers to be somewhere else away from football. That's his choice," Russini wrote.
Rodgers was at the voluntary workouts for the past two offseasons and has previously spoken about the importance of them to find chemistry with his offensive weapons.
Before skipping the mandatory minicamp, Rodgers took the required physical and participated in the team's media day, which took place on Monday.
"Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started," coach Robert Saleh said, via ESPN. "He's 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."
Even though Rodgers won't participate in the mandatory minicamp, Saleh said he isn't disappointed with his quarterback, but wished he was there.
"No," Saleh said. "Selfishly, I want our guys here all the time, but when you get to these mandatory things, you make the best decision for yourself. Obviously, selfishly, want all of them here all the time, but he made a decision and that's where he went."
With Rodgers not participating in the New York Jets minicamp, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be running the first-team offense.
Rodgers is subject to a $16,953 fine for missing the first day and $33,908 for the second day.
Aaron Rodgers working back from Achilles injury
Aaron Rodgers' first year with the New York Jets did not go as planned.
In the first game of the season, and on the first drive, Rodgers tore his Achilles which ended his season just four snaps in.
Although many fans were hopeful to see Rodgers at minicamp, Jets running back Breece Hall said it isn't a big deal that the quarterback isn't there.
"He's still trying to come back, still get back to feeling right from his injury and everything," Hall said. "I know he's working his tail off. Whether he's here or not, I know he's all in."
Rodgers is now 40 years old and is entering his 20th NFL season.