Jets’ Aaron Rodgers rips critics – Not my idea to be activated،
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, upset that “conspiracy theorists” are describing him as selfish for holding a spot on the team even though he doesn't play, has said Tuesday that it wasn't his idea to be activated after an injury. reserve.
Rodgers, during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said the Jets organization wanted him on the 53-man roster so he could continue practicing with the team despite being ruled out due to of his surgically repaired Achilles. Rodgers said he would have been happy to finish the season on IR.
By activating him, the Jets had to release another player, veteran guard Nick Bawden, who then returned to the team during practice.
“I thought I was going to go on IR,” said Rodgers, who announced Dec. 19 that his 2023 bid was over. “I asked to be put on IR, but then there was a conversation: 'Do you want to train?' I said it wasn't to the detriment of anyone being made redundant. I know how that works.
“I didn't feel like I needed to train to continue my rehab. I could do stuff on the field on the side, but, obviously, I got rejected there. It's like That. It was an interesting situation.”
Rodgers' 21-day training window ended on December 20. At that point, the Jets had to make a decision: leave him on IR (no practice allowed) or activate him to the roster. They took an unconventional route, adding him to the roster while acknowledging there was no chance he would play in a game.
“I immediately called Nick,” Rodgers said. “I just said, 'Hey, I hope you know it's not me. I asked to be put on IR.' He actually said, 'Hey, look, I'm invested. I'm getting my money back. I'm good.'”
As a veteran, Bawden's $1.1 million salary is guaranteed because he was on the opening day roster. After clearing waivers, he was added to the practice squad and then elevated for last Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, although he did not play due to a knee injury – another unusual decision. He returned to the practice squad on Monday.
Basically, Bawden bounced on the trade wire so Rodgers could practice. Ultimately, the player who lost his job was cornerback Kalon Barnes, who was cut from the 16-member practice squad to make room for Bawden.
“I didn't feel like I needed to train to continue my rehab. I could do stuff on the field on the side, but, obviously, I got rejected there. It's like That. It was an interesting situation.”
Aaron Rodgers, after being activated from IR
“Everyone says it’s a deal and yes, he called me,” Bawden told ESPN. “It wasn't surprising because that's the type of guy Aaron is. I see him every day and he's full of love and full of being a great leader. So it didn't bother me. not surprised, and we think we had a really good conversation, just being able to hear what he had to say.
Without naming names, Rodgers, 40, suggested that some people have hatched “conspiracies” and “the same tired narrative” because they disagree with his position on the COVID-19 vaccine. He said they were still upset because he “did not bow to the medical-industrial complex and mass training psychosis” when making his healthcare decisions.
On Tuesday, coach Robert Saleh confirmed Rodgers' comments, saying he and general manager Joe Douglas made the decision to activate the quarterback.
“[Rodgers] expressed concern about taking someone's place on the roster and all that, and what that meant,” Saleh said. “But like I told you, we had flexibility in the list, as we told him, and we had the capacity to do it. And that's what we've done. »
Saleh said it was a plus to have Rodgers on the practice field, noting that he led the scout team's offense last Friday in an 11-on-11 period. He only practices one or two days a week.
Meanwhile, the Jets announced that quarterback Zach Wilson (concussion) is out for a second straight game, meaning Trevor Siemian will start again Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. Siemian passed for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 30-28 win over the Commanders.
