Jets HC Robert Saleh expands on curious Aaron Rodgers decision

Head coach Robert Saleh further explained on Friday why the New York Jets activated quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week even though they allegedly have no plans to play him across their final three games.

"We had the roster flexibility and, as a team, we just felt like it’d be really good to give him the ability to go out and practice because of our roster flexibility," Saleh said about the move, per the Jets' official website. "Again, the designation of [injured reserve] versus being able to practice with the guys is you’re either on field three or you’re able to do it with the team, so it’s all a part of his progression."

Saleh confirmed that Rodgers won't serve as New York's third-string quarterback for this Sunday's home game against the 4-10 Washington Commanders even though Zach Wilson won't clear the concussion protocol in time for that matchup. Trevor Siemian will start in Wilson's place, and Brett Rypien will be Siemian's backup.

Fullback Nick Bawden lost his roster spot to make room for Rodgers but was re-signed to the practice squad. Saleh said Bawden has "a good chance of being elevated on gameday" versus Washington. 

"We had the roster flexibility where we weren’t costing anybody a job, and we were still able to maintain the full roster as we would have it for the last three weeks, and we thought, 'why not,'" Saleh added about activating Rodgers. "So we did it." 

Some within the NFL community are convinced Rodgers, who hasn't played since he suffered a torn Achilles on Sept. 11, holds enough power with the Jets to force his way onto the field for even a snap or two in either the Week 17 game at the Cleveland Browns or the regular-season finale at the New England Patriots. Unless Saleh misled reporters ahead of the weekend, Rodgers will remain an inactive spectator for New York's final home game of the campaign.