Jets Coach Robert Saleh Discusses What Keeps QB Aaron Rodgers Going 

Aaron Rodgers’ impromptu throwing session before the game, his job on the sidelines, and his potential effect in the next weeks were all topics of conversation for the New York Jets a day later.

Jets Coach Robert Saleh Discusses What Keeps QB Aaron Rodgers Going

“His superpower is his presence,” coach Robert Saleh stated on Monday. “Him being in this building, being around his teammates, being in the locker room, his positive attitude, his thoughts of manifestation and all that stuff, I think it’s powerful.”

Only five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, Rodgers shocked spectators on Sunday by arriving at MetLife Stadium without crutches and throwing for five minutes on the field roughly two hours before the Philadelphia Eagles were upset 20-14.

During an appearance on the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show on Tuesday, Saleh said of Rodgers, “I think he’s fueled by doubt — I don’t think, I know — he’s fueled by doubt,” according to Kevin Patra of the league’s website. “The more you doubt him, the more fuel he has. He’s on a mission. There’s one thing I’ve learned about him, in my very short time with him, is that when he’s got something on his mind and he wants to prove something, he’s going to prove it…We’re leaving the door open for him but it’s amazing to see how hard he’s been working and the intent at which he’s been doing it.”

The future Hall of Famer may be able to play as early as Week 15 when the Jets visit the Miami Dolphins on December 17, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who later revealed that “some in the medical community” believe Rodgers only suffered a partial Achilles tear last month.

On Tuesday, Saleh failed to provide anything like a timetable for when Rodgers would next play a significant snap for the team.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Saleh explained. “Like I said, the more you doubt him and the more you doubt whether or not he’s able to do it, I think it just fuels him. I mean, if I was going to bet — even though gambling is illegal for employees — I would bet on him, not against him.”

Rodgers stayed on the sidelines, donned a headset, and participated in the in-game dialogue between offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and other staff rather than watching from a private box. Normally, wounded athletes are not allowed on the sidelines for safety concerns, but on Saturday, the Jets gave him permission.

 

 

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