There will be a notable absence from the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp. Namely, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
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But before we get all panicky, just know this was by design, coach Robert Saleh said. Still, the absence is considered "unexcused."
Rodgers did take a physical (and yes, he passed) and attend the team's media day on Monday, before bolting town. Such is life for an NFL superstar.
"Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started," Saleh said. "He's very good in communication. He's been here the entire time. It's unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated."
No matter, it is a bit peculiar.
"Rodgers has been a regular at voluntary workouts for the past two offseasons, preaching the importance of building team chemistry and eliminating distractions — which makes his absence even more conspicuous," wrote Rich Cimini of ESPN. "The four-time MVP, nine months removed from Achilles surgery, had been a full participant in practice during three weeks of OTA practices.
Rodgers, 40, appeared in just one game last season — the first — before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. So this is expected to be his first full season as a member of the Jets.
"Selfishly, I want our guys here all the time, but when you get to these mandatory things, you make the best decision for yourself," Saleh explained about Rodgers. "Obviously, selfishly, want all of them here all the time, but he made a decision and that's where he went."
Also skipping is edge rusher Haason Redick, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Redick hasn't been at offseason workouts.
"General manager Joe Douglas was ecstatic when he traded a 2026 conditional third-round pick for Reddick, calling him 'an electric presence off the edge,'" Cimini wrote. "It was widely known that Reddick wanted a new contract, but the Jets made the trade anyway, comfortable they'd be able to make the relationship work.
"The Jets haven't closed the door on the possibility of a long-term extension, but the sense is they'd rather wait. The organization doesn't seem alarmed by the situation and remains confident Reddick will have a productive season."
While Saleh spoke positively of Rodgers, both Rodgers and Redick are subject to fines for their unexcused absences.
