FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a hamstring injury on top of a knee issue, but is expected to play Sunday at New England.
The 40-year-old Rodgers was listed as limited for the team’s walkthrough practice on Wednesday.
“I think based on the (NFL) rules, you have to maybe put down anything you’re getting treatment for,” Rodgers said. “So yeah, I got treatment yesterday for my little hamstring tightness and my knee.”
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said the hamstring ailment “kind of flared up” in the Jets’ 37-15 loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday night.
“They’re going to assess it all week long and he’s going to treat his butt off like he always does,” Ulbrich said. “Don’t anticipate this affecting him in playing.”
Rodgers, who has said the past few weeks that he feels “banged up” and sprained his left ankle against Minnesota in London on Oct. 6, reached for the back of his left leg after one play at Pittsburgh. Ulbrich said the injuries “maybe” compromised Rodgers’ ability to scramble out of the pocket against the Steelers.
“A few times when he’d normally take off and utilize his mobility,” Ulbrich said. “Historically, he’s been one of the more mobile quarterbacks in this league, so, for sure.”
Rodgers, who tore his left Achilles tendon four snaps into the season opener last year, said, “No, not really,” when asked if the injuries affected him.
The four-time NFL MVP is off to one of the worst statistical starts of his 20-year NFL career. He has 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, just six off his career-high set in 2008 in his first year as Green Bay’s starter. But Rodgers doesn’t think the multiple injuries to his lower body are affecting his throwing.
“I mean, I feel good on game days,” he said. “The ankle responded really well. I just have some swelling in my knee from time to time, but I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.”
Still, the offence has been inconsistent all season, which led to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett being demoted by Ulbrich from play-calling duties in favour of passing game coordinator Todd Downing. The Jets rank 23rd in the NFL in total offence and 31st in rushing.
Rodgers is only one of several players dealing with injuries entering the week.
Offensive lineman Xavier Newman was placed on injured reserve after being carted off the field in Pittsburgh and taken to a hospital with a neck injury. Tests were negative and Newman was able to fly home with the team. Ulbrich said the O-lineman is doing well, but will need a few weeks to recover.
“As scary as that (was), thank the Lord that he’s come out on the other side of this thing and he’s in a good place,” Ulbrich said. “It was a scary, scary moment in the game. Those are the reasons that these connections within our team are so strong. The guys just felt so bad for him, and then to find him on the plane after the game was just an amazing blessing.”
The Jets signed safety Jalen Mills from the practice squad to take Newman’s spot on the active roster — and to provide depth at a thin position. Chuck Clark is on IR with an ankle injury, Tony Adams has an injured hamstring and Ashtyn Davis is in the concussion protocol.
Wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest), right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) didn’t practice. Right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), linebacker Quincy Williams (neck), edge rusher Will McDonald (shoulder) and left tackle Tyron Smith (veteran rest day) were limited.
On a positive note for the Jets, cornerbacks D.J. Reed (groin) and Michael Carter (back) returned to practice after missing time. Reed was a full participant, while Carter was limited.
The practice window for tight end Kenny Yeboah, who’s on IR with an abdominal injury, was opened. New York has 21 days to activate him or he’ll be placed on season-ending IR.