5 things noticed from NY Jets training as Aaron Rodgers becomes injury concern
The second day of OTA's across the NFL has been taking place, and all eyes were on the New York Jets as Aaron Rodgers suited up once more.
The 39-year-old has been actively involved this week already, stating in his recent press conference that being around the younger guys on the team will help this season. But although a lot of the cameras were on Rodgers, there were plenty of other talents looking to impress ahead of the final 53-man roster announcement.
Back-up quarterback Zach Wilson was throwing dimes, and offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson looked as sharp as last season. Here Mirror NFL brings you five things we noticed from the second day of OTA's, including a major injury scare for Rodgers.
Rodgers suffers calf trouble
Rodgers suffered an injury scare to his calf on Tuesday (Twitter/@nyjets)The second day of OTAs at the Jets facility quickly turned sour as Rodgers seemed to be having trouble with his calf. The quarterback was seen off to the side during practice, attempting to flex the muscle while being in discomfort.
This caused a mass state of panic online, with multiple Jets fans consistently tweeting their official account asking for updates. However, Rodgers seemed to be in high spirits after the session on Tuesday as he conducted a happy press conference.
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His calf is likely to just be a precaution, but given how much the Jets gave up to bring in the quarterback it's not what they would have wanted. It's yet to be seen how the injury occurred, but cameras will be even closer to Rodgers if he attends day three.
Wilson has a spring in his step
It wasn't the 2022 season that Wilson was hoping for, as the youngster was rested on occasions as a 'healthy scratch' by head coach Robert Saleh. Wilson still started nine games last season and even finished with a positive record of 5-4, but he's still found it tough in the NFL so far.
Wilson will now prepare to be a back-up for the remainder of Rodgers' contract, but he's now operating behind the quarterback he idolised as a child. And rather than look defeated in OTA's, Wilson actually appeared to be on top form.
The 23-year-old may not play much football over the next two seasons, but he'll be able to learn from one of the very best. Wilson remains the long-term option for the Jets, and will look to learn all that he can from Rodgers.
Rodgers finds his new tight-end
Rodgers appeared to be getting along well with tight-end CJ Ozumah (Twitter/@NYJets)Finding options downfield became an issue for Rodgers in the 2022 season, as the Packers struggled after Davante Adams left the franchise. Tight-end Robert Tonyan received the third-highest receptions all season for the Packers last year, and Rodgers already appears to be close to TE1 at the Jets.
Rodgers was seen walking out and smiling with CJ Uzomah at the start of practice, with the tight-end also relatively new to the Jets franchise. The Jets may have strong options ready for Rodgers at wide receiver, but the tight-end position will be important for any prolonged success.
Uzomah only scored two touchdowns in 13 starts last season, although his average receptions yards was an NFL best. Uzomah recorded five touchdowns the year before, and could return to his best with Rodgers out on the field.
Offense to be 'adjusted'
With a new quarterback comes an adjusted game plan, especially when Rodgers has been brought in. The 39-year-old was wanted by Saleh months ago, and has linked up with former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Rodgers opened up about Hackett in his post-practice press conference, and hinted that the pair could make "adjustments" to the offense together. "I love Nate so much, he's so fun to work with. He has the ability to bring the same type of energy everyday without any stimulants. I don't think he drinks any coffee, but he's just the same energetic guy everyday," Rodgers said about Hackett.
"He's got a great way of teaching, where it is interactive. And he and I have spent a lot of time after hours going back through certain concepts that we like, renaming a few things, subtle adjustments.
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"Then bringing some concepts back because he's been in Jacksonville, Buffalo... it's a conglomeration of all sorts of things. It's been great, I love him so much."
Will McDonald impresses just with his height
The size of recently drafted Will McDonald shocked Jets fans during the second day of OTA's, and it could offer them a huge advantage next season. The six-foot-four defensive end weighs in at 245 pounds, but looks even bigger in person.
McDonald was selected 15th overall in the recent 2023 NFL Draft, coming out of Iowa State and filling a position needed at the Jets. The franchise have made multiple moves offensively this offseason, but McDonald looks to be real catch in the defensive section.
Fans couldn't believe the size of McDonald, creating for more excitement after the NFL Draft. McDonald broke his previous single-season sack record and the Iowa State career sacks record during his college days.
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