Aaron Rodgers has been dealing with a low-ankle sprain since Week 5, and he got banged up once again during the New York Jets’ Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, the veteran quarterback is dealing with multiple injuries. What’s the latest on Rodgers’ status?
The Latest on Aaron Rodgers’ Injuries
Rodgers is listed on the Jets’ practice report with knee, ankle, and hamstring injuries. He was limited in Wednesday’s walk-through.
Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich explained that Rodgers’ hamstring injury “flared up” during the Sunday Night Football contest against Pittsburgh, limiting his mobility for the remainder of the game.
Jeff Ulbrich says Aaron Rodgers' hamstring "flared up" during the Steelers game
He doesn't anticipate it will impact Rodgers' ability to play against the Patriots pic.twitter.com/iC1BvMJBZg
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 23, 2024
Last week, Rodgers didn’t practice on Wednesday, but he was a full participant in practice for the remainder of the week and didn’t even receive an injury designation. Ulbrich believes that Rodgers will be able to play this week against the New England Patriots, but keep an eye on whether he practices and check the Jets’ injury report on Friday to be sure.
At this stage of Rodgers’ career, the 40-year-old can play in games even if he’s only a limited participant in practice throughout the week. But with three separate injuries, it remains to be seen how effective Rodgers will be even if he suits up in Week 8.
If Rodgers isn’t able to go for some reason, 14-year veteran Tyrod Taylor will start in his place. Taylor has appeared in just one game this season, throwing six-of-eight for 36 yards and one touchdown. Last year with the New York Giants, he played in 11 games and threw for 1,341 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions while also rushing for 197 yards.
Fantasy Outlook For Rodgers and the Jets
Ever since Rodgers joined the Jets, there has been speculation about him reuniting with Davante Adams, and we finally got it in Week 7. The results were revolutionary:
Weeks 1-6:
- 61.8% completion rate (4.1% TD rate)
- 72.8% quick-pass rate
- 10.4 yards per completion
- 7.1 air yards per throw
Week 7:
- 61.5% completion rate (2.6% TD rate)
- 74.4% quick-pass rate
- 11.5 yards per completion
- 5.2 air yards per throw
What’s that? Those numbers are essentially identical? And the Jets actually averaged 7.4% fewer yards per drive on Sunday than they did through six weeks?
Rodgers to Adams. One of many, but their first connection with the @Nyjets ✈️
📺: #NYJvsPIT on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WKj3rCFpEx— NFL (@NFL) October 21, 2024
I still think the Jets are going to make a push at some point and Rodgers will be a part of that. But at this point, savvy fantasy managers will be reactionary as opposed to aggressive.
We all have Lambeau leaps in our mind when thinking of Rodgers/Adams-led offenses, but that was years ago and things (the two players, the offensive environment, and the rules of the NFL) are different now.
Rodgers has the potential to move inside of my top 15 once we get some breadcrumbs, but last week, even against an elite defense, didn’t provide enough for me to trust him right now. For now, Rodgers is likely only starting in Superflex leagues.
Meanwhile, Adams is my WR15 this week, ranking in the Tee Higgins, Stefon Diggs, and Amari Cooper range at the position. Meanwhile, Wilson is a weekly WR2, especially if Rodgers rediscovers his form. Wilson’s ceiling isn’t near what it was pre-Adams, but it wouldn’t shock me if his efficiency moving forward covers the loss of volume.
— PFN’s Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe