Tim Boyle to stay Jets’ starter as Aaron Rodgers decision looms

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back with the New York Jets full time, eager to get back on the field and make a big decision that will be made in the coming weeks. For now, the Jets have made a more modest decision at quarterback.

Despite a shaky performance on Friday, career replacement Tim Boyle will remain the starter.

“Yes, we’re giving Timmy another chance next week,” coach Robert Saleh said Saturday morning during a conference call with reporters.

Boyle, in his Jets debut, was sacked seven times, attempted only four passes for 10 air yards and was intercepted twice – including a Hail Mary that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown by safety Jevon Holland at the Miami Dolphins’ 34. -13 victory.

Saleh’s other options are Trevor Siemian, the No. 2 quarterback Friday, and Zach Wilson, who was just benched. Asked about Siemian after the match, Saleh replied: “I’m not there yet.” The Jets will host the Atlanta Falcons on December 3.

The Jets (4-7), losers of four straight, are stuck in a season-long funk — with just 10 touchdowns by the offense. Rodgers’ injury, combined with an ever-changing offensive line, resulted in a historically inept offense. The struggles went so deep against Miami that the Jets didn’t cross midfield until the fourth quarter.

Rodgers watched the mess from the sidelines, wearing a helmet. Instead of returning to California to continue his rehabilitation, his usual routine, he remained in New Jersey – a key development in his bid to achieve an unprecedented comeback from Achilles tendon surgery.

By all indications, Rodgers – just 10 weeks removed from surgery – wants to start training in early December, with the hope of playing again this season. He is said to be targeting the Dec. 24 game against the Washington Commanders.

“He’s in the building,” Saleh said, adding that he had no information on a potential practice date.

“When we receive a medical certificate stating that he is unharmed, then he will be allowed to train,” the coach added.

This is a simplistic view of the situation. Clearly, a risk-reward decision of this magnitude will be multi-layered and involve more than just physicians. Saleh said Rodgers would make the final decision, saying the four-time MVP would play if he wanted to — if he was medically cleared.

Rodgers, who turns 40 on Dec. 2, would take a chance, given the state of the offensive line. The Jets started a league-high eight combinations and 12 different players. They allowed 47 sacks. Left tackles Mekhi Becton (sprained ankle) and Duane Brown (hip) could return for the next game, Saleh said. Right guard Wes Schweitzer (calf) is also a possibility.

Boyle, who started the season on the practice squad after being released at the end of the preseason, was under duress throughout Friday’s game. He completed 27 of 38 passes, but for only 179 yards.

“For the most part, I felt like I had a good look and got the ball out of my hands,” Boyle said after the game. “I tried not to take any sacks, but that’s part of the game.”

The offense was so restricted that, aside from the Hail Mary at the end of the first half, Boyle did not attempt a pass longer than 10 yards until the fourth quarter, when the game was out of control. scope.

“Obviously there are things he could have done better,” Saleh said. “There were some things that he had no control over, and I know he struggled there, and we were able to answer some calls that we were hoping to make. We were able to execute a lot of different things that we wanted to execute. … It just didn’t come to fruition.”

Embattled offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is apparently in no danger of losing his job. Hackett received a vote of confidence from Saleh after the match. Saleh said “there was no consideration” in removing Hackett as a playcaller.

Hackett has a close relationship with Rodgers, which is likely a factor in job security. Boyle thanked Rodgers for helping him during the game, calling Rodgers a “peaceful, calming presence to me.” If Rodgers has his way, the roles could soon be reversed.