Jets QB Aaron Rodgers addresses calf injury

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants everyone to R-E-L-A-X after he experienced a minor physical setback during organized team activities on Tuesday. 

"I just tweaked my calf in a little pre-practice conditioning, so I decided to take a vet day," Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday afternoon, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player added the issue isn't "too serious" or alarming ahead of Memorial Day. 

The Jets paid a high price to acquire Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers earlier this spring and are expected to compete for more than just a playoff berth with the future Hall of Famer atop the depth chart. It was originally reported late Tuesday morning that he was favoring his ankle, but his update later in the day should ease the minds of worried fans.

Rodgers turned 39 years old this past December and dealt with multiple injuries throughout what became his final season with Green Bay. He suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand in Week 5 and then was knocked out of a Week 12 contest after he injured his ribs. Neither of those problems proves Rodgers showed his age last fall, but Tuesday's incident could remind all involved how quickly things could go south for the 2023 Jets. 

"Like I said, there's a lot of excitement around here," Rodgers explained. "It's been a lot of fun to be a part of. Obviously, there's high expectations, which is great — that's the way you want them. But yeah, I'm definitely rejuvenated. It's fun being in a quarterback room with young guys and guys that I really love and respect and genuinely want to improve and are eager to learn and listen (about) an offense that I know really, really well."

The Jets don't know for sure Rodgers will play beyond the 2023 season, but logic suggests he could consider retirement if he's feeling particularly beaten up by January or February. For now, perhaps he should spend the majority of OTAs shadowing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and other quarterbacks on the roster just to be safe.