Jets' Robert Saleh talks futures of Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke with reporters on Monday and said he didn't "have any knowledge" about a report from earlier in the day that claimed quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be medically cleared to return from the torn Achilles he suffered on Sept. 11 for the Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders scheduled for Christmas Eve.

"If that’s something that he’s had with his personal doctor, out in [Los Angeles], I’m not privy to that yet," Saleh said about Rodgers' status, as shared by Ben Krimmel of SNY. 

TMZ Sports revealed early Monday afternoon that "sources" said Rodgers, who must be activated or shut down for the campaign by Dec. 20, "will be given the all-clear before the Week 16 game against" Washington. Jets beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post later noted he thinks "it’s unlikely" Rodgers tries to return this season, in part because the ESPN Football Power Index gave the 5-8 Jets only a 0.4% chance to make the playoffs ahead of the "Monday Night Football" doubleheader. 

"We are approaching it as if he’s in rehab and when the doctor gives us his doctor’s note to clear him for the next stage, that’s when we’ll have those discussions," Saleh added about Rodgers. "But right now, the only thing we’re focusing on are the guys that we gotta prepare to play on Sunday." 

Before signal-caller Zach Wilson produced a stunning performance in New York's 30-6 home win over the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon, it was reported that the Jets will look to trade the third-year pro this coming offseason after Saleh benched Wilson three times from November 2022 through this fall. Saleh neither confirmed nor denied the details of that story. 

"My conversations with him are to do everything he can to get ready to play a football game," Saleh said in response to a question about the Wilson trade claim. "As far as all that other stuff is concerned, those are things I’ll leave for [Jets general manager Joe Douglas]." 

Wilson is on track to start when New York plays at the Miami Dolphins this coming Sunday. 9-3 Miami hosts the 4-8 Tennessee Titans on Monday evening.