With Jets quarterback Zach Wilson in the concussion protocol and a Wednesday deadline to activate QB Aaron Rodgers from injured reserve, HC Robert Saleh would not rule out Rodgers participating.
“Obviously we’ll have to meet with his doctors and see if there’s actual clearance on their part,” Saleh told reporters. “There must be clearance on our doctors’ parts, so there are several steps.” Then, of course, there must be a talk with Aaron about the next step and the comfort level of everyone on board. It’s not something that happens in a vacuum, but all the necessary conversations would take place.”
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Rodgers, who returned to practice on November 29 after having surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon on September 14, increased his workload last week. He has only taken 7-on-7 reps and participated in individual drills, including quarterback bootlegs and lateral movement, something he has not done since returning to practice.
If the four-time NFL MVP suits up on Sunday, he’d be leading a squad that’s out of playoff contention. With their loss to the Dolphins and wins by the Texans and Browns on Sunday, the Jets were eliminated, raising the question, “Why return?”
“I’m sure you could make arguments on both sides of the coin, but until that conversation is actually real, it’s not a conversation I’m thinking about,” Saleh went on to say. “Aaron wants to play,” he continued. Let’s not get that one mixed up. That is why he has been striving so hard to return. His desire to play, even if he isn’t 100 percent, is foremost in his thoughts. He wants to travel, but I’m not going to tell anyone about it until he’s actually cleared.”
Wilson, on the other hand, will start against the Commanders in Week 16 if he clears the concussion protocol, according to Saleh. Wilson reportedly left Sunday’s game against the Miami Heat before the conclusion of the first quarter for hydration before being called out with a head injury.
“I’m not exactly sure about the communication,” Saleh admitted. “I just know that they wanted to review possible head injury from the top.” He was placed in the procedure, and that was the end of it.”
The program is cleared in five stages: limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific training, non-contact drills, and full activity/clearance. Each step can take a varying amount of time depending on the severity of the concussion, making it difficult to predict Wilson’s recovery. If Wilson is unable to play, Trevor Siemian, who completed 14-of-26 passes for 110 yards and two interceptions in Wilson’s relief, will start.
Wilson “definitely could” start Sunday in the team’s final home game, according to Saleh, despite not practicing during the week.
