Aaron Rodgers didn’t throw any footballs Thursday, but he threw the weight of his support behind the Jets keeping their much-criticized leadership in place.
With another promising season slipping away as the injured Rodgers watches from the sideline, general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett all are under fire for reasons ranging from a lack of roster depth to undisciplined play to abysmal offensive production.
Of course, Rodgers’ torn Achilles has made those three evaluations trickier than expected.
“I feel like the recipe is in place to be really successful, whether it’s finishing up this year or starting fresh next year,” Rodgers said Thursday at the team facility. “I feel like with those guys in a position of leadership, this team can get to where it wants to go.”
Rodgers called it a “trap question” when asked if his return next season — instead of retirement — is tied to owner Woody Johnson not making changes.
If he said yes, then it could be framed as an example of Rodgers trying to wield too much organizational power.
If he said no, then Rodgers looks unsupportive of three key figures who brought him here from the Packers.
“I want to play,” Rodgers said. “I feel like the Johnsons want me to be here. I feel like it’s a really good organization structure. I feel like Joe’s drafted really well. I feel like Robert is a fantastic coach. So is Nathaniel. But those decisions are out of my hands.”
The Jets are 24-53 under Douglas and 15-30 under Saleh. Rodgers understands the criticism.
“It seems pretty consistent with the fan base,” he said. “They voice their opinion. That’s the beautiful thing about it, and also part of being in New York. They want to win now. I respect that.”
LB Quincy Williams (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday as a limited participant. RB Breece Hall (hamstring), C Wes Schweitzer (calf) and OT Billy Turner (finger) remained limited.
OT Mekhi Becton (ankle/knee), CB Michael Carter II (hamstring), DB Justin Hardee (hamstring) and DE Will McDonald (shoulder) all were upgraded from limited participation Wednesday to full participation.
Rodgers (Achilles) and RB Israel Abanikanda (illness) did not practice.
The NFL did not flex the Jets-Browns game on Dec. 28 out of “Thursday Night Football” by Thursday’s deadline.
This is the first year of Thursday flex scheduling rules and 28-day advance notice is required.
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