Jets not planning to shut down QB Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers remains the quarterback for the New York Jets and there are no plans to shut him down because of nagging injuries, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday.

Rodgers is "absolutely" the starting quarterback for the Jets (3-8) against the Seattle Seahawks (6-5), Ulbrich confirmed.

Responding to questions centered around reports Rodgers was bypassing medical tests for minor leg injuries -- a swollen knee and a tender ankle -- Ulbrich said there has been no discussion about shelving Rodgers.

"All I can say -- and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy -- but he's better off today than he's been as of late," Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has for probably the last month, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, excited about what that looks like."

Ulbrich, named interim coach in October, said coming back from the team's bye week he wasn't aware of Rodgers skipping scans or X-rays.

"That's news to me," Ulbrich said Monday.

The Jets have lost seven of their last eight games and Ulbrich said Monday one area of focus after a bye week is keeping players focused regardless of playoff chances.

Rodgers turns 41 on Dec. 2 and said he is planning to return for the 2025 season despite disappointment over the results to date of what he framed as a redemption season. Rodgers, acquired in a trade from the Packers in 2023, was lost for the entire season when he ruptured his Achilles on the first possession of his debut with New York.

He has 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024 but hasn't thrown a pick since the Oct. 20 loss at Pittsburgh.

The Jets are making plans to move forward with front office interviews for general manager and a permanent head coach. Owner Woody Johnson's relationship with Rodgers has been questioned publicly, but a contradicting report emerged Sunday stating the two recently dined together in New York.

--Field Level Media