Jets' Robert Saleh reveals 'mission' of Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh continues to express optimism regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers possibly making a remarkable return from what's typically a devastating injury in time to start at least one game before the 2023 NFL season ends. 

"He is on a mission," Saleh said about Rodgers while speaking with NBC Sports' Peter King following New York's 20-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday that improved the Jets to 3-3 heading into their bye. "I don’t put anything past him. I’ve heard he’s absolutely dominating rehab and he really wants to get back this year. That’s why getting wins like this and staying in it and staying in the hunt, giving him that opportunity to fulfill his mission, is so vital." 

Rodgers went down with what was thought to be a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 and underwent surgery shortly after. The future Hall of Famer, who turns 40 years old in December, has nevertheless repeatedly suggested he's well ahead of schedule in his recovery, and he even tossed some pregame passes before Sunday's contest at MetLife Stadium. 

"Aaron was in our facility on Saturday," Saleh explained. "I was talking to him. I was like, 'So what’s the deal? You gonna go up to the box tomorrow? Watch from the box?' He goes, 'No, I want be on the field.' I was like, 'What about your ankle?' He goes, 'I’m fine.' I was like, 'K, whatever you want, buddy.'" 

Zach Wilson has replaced Rodgers atop the depth chart and hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in three of his last four outings. Wilson completed 19-of-33 passes for 186 yards with no scores or interceptions against the Eagles, and ESPN stats show he ended the weekend ranked 29th in the league among qualified players with a 37.5 adjusted QBR on the campaign. He's tied for 29th with an average of 6.0 yards per pass attempt and 31st with a 73.4 passer rating. 

Some fear the Jets could run into locker room issues for the second consecutive fall if their defense is routinely tasked with winning games due, in part, to lackluster play from Wilson. There's no indication Gang Green is looking to land a proven signal-caller before the Oct. 31 trade deadline, and Wilson now will get ready to face the New York Giants on Oct. 29. 

The 1-5 Giants host the 3-3 Washington Commanders this coming Sunday.