Jets' Aaron Rodgers returns to practice field after getting stepped on
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers throws during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J., on Saturday. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — There was a mini-scare at Jets practice Saturday, with fans gasping as Aaron Rodgers started hobbling on his left foot.
During team competition, Rodgers dropped back to pass and someone stepped on his foot. Rodgers limped off, took his helmet off and took a knee as Zach Wilson took over the offense.
Everyone in the stands was relieved a little later when Rodgers returned. He rifled a pass across the middle to Tyler Conklin and threw touchdown passes to Lindenhurst’s Jeremy Ruckert and Allen Lazard.
Crisis averted.
“He got stepped on. Little pinkie toe,” coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s all right. I saw it. I knew he was fine.”
If anything, this will give the coaches another reason to remind everyone that they need to play hard but not get too close to the quarterback. This is especially important this week, when the competition will pick up a little as the Jets hold joint practices with Carolina.
“We [say] it all the time: ‘Stay off the quarterback. Respect the quarterback,’ ” Saleh said. “Every player knows how important those quarterbacks are. Stay up, stay off of them. It goes without saying. But you always try to make it a point of emphasis.”
Garrett’s return close
Receiver Garrett Wilson is expected to return to practice on a limited basis Tuesday. Wilson suffered a low ankle sprain last week and has missed the last four practices.
He ramped up his workload Saturday, running and catching passes on a side field. “He’s doing really well,” Saleh said.
Brown update
Left tackle Duane Brown, 37, is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and remains “a couple of weeks” away from practicing, Saleh said.
The Jets don’t seem concerned about Brown’s availability even if he doesn’t practice much before the season opener on Sept. 11 against the Bills.
“We would love him out there right now, but it is a plus that he’s got so much experience in this league,” Saleh said. “He’s one of the few in the league when you’ve had that much experience, you can play without practice. He’s going through a lot of individual [work] on the side and he’s still getting a lot of work in. I’m not worried about whether he’ll be able to play once he gets here.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
