NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played just four games since returning from the torn Achilles that caused him to miss essentially the entire 2023 season. Rodgers' age and recent injury history have many Jets fans understandably cautious about his health this year.
That caution turned to concern when Rodgers appeared to injure his knee in the Jets' Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos this past Sunday. Rodgers was rolled up in the fourth quarter, and while he remained in the game, the four-time MVP was in obvious discomfort.
Both Rodgers and the Jets downplayed the injury after the game, even if he was seen limping off the field at MetLife Stadium. Fan concern was justified when Rodgers popped up on the injury report as a limited participant for Wednesday's practice.
Thankfully, Rodgers returned in a full capacity on Thursday and Friday and is officially off the injury report entering Week 5. But that doesn't mean the Jets are in the clear yet.
Is Aaron Rodgers playing today?
Yes, the Jets will have their starting quarterback when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in London today. Rodgers does not have an injury designation and is set to start this Week 5 game.
However, the Jets are taking extra precautionary measures with their quarterback room. The team decided to elevate third-string quarterback Adrian Martinez from the practice squad this weekend and he's expected to be active for today's game.
The reigning UFL MVP, Martinez signed with the Jets this summer and flashed enough in the preseason to earn a spot on the practice squad. Now, he will provide extra insurance behind Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor.
Martinez is ineligible to be the Jets' emergency third QB since he was a practice squad elevation. Only players on the 53-man roster can be designated as a team's emergency third QB.
This suggests the Jets at least have some level of concern about Rodgers' knee. They're also facing one of the most aggressive defenses in the NFL, as the Vikings blitz at the second-highest rate — second only to the Denver Broncos.
Minnesota's aggressive defense combined with Rodgers' injury concerns likely led to the Jets' decision to elevate Martinez.
The Jets will have Aaron Rodgers in today's game, but the team has two insurance policies prepared in case he isn't able to make it through all 60 minutes. His status is worth keeping an eye on as the game progresses.
