LI's Jeremy Ruckert 'looks awesome' to Jets coach Robert Saleh
Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (89) during OTA at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Credit: Noah K. Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jeremy Ruckert is way ahead of where he was at this point last year because the tight end from Lindenhurst is healthy.
Ruckert missed rookie minicamp, OTAs and part of training camp last year because of a foot injury. He’s performed well in OTAs and has caught his coach’s eye.
“He looks awesome,” Robert Saleh said Tuesday. “He’s hungry. Last year, he had the plantar fasciitis. He was dealing with the foot injury all season. He looks like a guy on a mission . . . We’re not in pads yet but I’m not worried about him in pads. He’s got a nasty streak to him.”
Ruckert appeared in just nine games last season. He was targeted twice and had one catch for 8 yards playing behind Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah. Ruckert could get more opportunities this season in this tight-end friendly offense. “I’m excited about him and the direction he’s going for sure,” Saleh said.
Wow moments for Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers participated in 7-on-7 drills and has since last Friday. The Jets are keeping Rodgers out of 11-on-11 play to keep everyone away from his lower legs. He strained his calf two weeks ago. Rodgers ended Tuesday throwing back-to-back touchdown passes in goal-line drills.
“There’s been some wow moments,” Saleh said. “I’m sure there’s going to be a heck of a lot more.”
Minicamp canceled
Saleh decided to cancel next week’s mandatory minicamp. The Jets open training camp more than a week earlier this season because they’re playing in the Hall of Fame game on Aug 3. Saleh wants the players to get their normal rest before returning. “They put in a really good offseason since April,” Saleh said. “Just [wanted] to give the guys an extra week to go take their break. You need a week off and then you’ve got to rev back up to get ready for the season.”
Saleh confident about Quinnen
Quinnen Williams remains without an extension and away from voluntary OTAs. Saleh remains confident that something will get done with Williams — who is under contract for this year — before camp. “I speak for everyone, I probably speak for Quinnen in that we all want it to get done sooner rather than later,” Saleh said. “I’ll let the business guys handle all that stuff. But it’s going to get done. He’ll be here for camp. He’ll be ready to roll and once he is I’m sure he’ll be the same guy he was a year ago.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
