Aaron Rodgers’ targeted return date looms as Jets stay mathematically alive…
The victory over the Texans on Sunday means the Jets’ faint playoff hopes are still flickering.
Could that mean Aaron Rodgers’ return next week in Miami?
“He is in rehab, so I really don’t have an answer for you on that one,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “Like I said before, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
The chances of Rodgers returning this season remain remote but as long as Rodgers is practicing and the Jets are still mathematically alive, the question of whether Rodgers is coming back will keep being asked.
The temptation to play Rodgers just a little more than three months since Achilles surgery should be lessened by Zach Wilson’s performance against the Texans.
Wilson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-6 victory.
Still, as long as the Jets remain alive, the return of Rodgers will linger unless the team rules him out.
There were several stars on the offense Sunday, but one that could be overlooked is TE Tyler Conklin.
The second-year Jet had two big catches on third down and four total catches in the game.
He caught a third-down pass in the second quarter that set up a fourth-and-1 when the Jets went for it and got it.
Then, he caught a 24-yard seam pass on third-and-9 in the third quarter on a drive that ended with a Xavier Gipson touchdown.
“I love it,” Conklin said of the third-down role. “I am always telling him, ‘Hey if you need to go somewhere, like, give me an opportunity, I will go make a play for you’. So I am happy he trusted me in those situations to go make plays for him. So, hopefully they keep coming through these next four games.”
The Jets played their 10th different starting offensive line Sunday and ninth different in as many games.
Jacob Hanson started at right guard for the first time.
Max Mitchell returned to right tackle this week after Carter Warren injured his hip in Friday’s practice and was inactive.
Mitchell left the game with a shoulder injury and Billy Turner finished up.
The 24-point win was the Jets’ largest margin of victory since Nov. 24, 2019 when they beat the Raiders 34-3.