Aaron Rodgers Cleared to Play: Set to Start Against Bills Monday \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Aaron Rodgers is set to start for the New York Jets against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night after recovering from a sprained ankle. The quarterback was a full participant in practice Saturday following limited sessions earlier in the week, marking his return after a challenging performance against Minnesota in London. With several coaching changes in place, including a new offensive play-caller, the Jets are hoping to rebound against their AFC East rivals. Key players like C.J. Mosley and Morgan Moses could also return, while others, including nickel cornerback Michael Carter II, are ruled out due to injuries.
Aaron Rodgers Set to Return for Jets’ Monday Night Showdown: Quick Looks
- Rodgers Cleared to Play: After recovering from a sprained ankle and hamstring issue, Aaron Rodgers is set to start for the Jets on Monday.
- Coaching Shake-Up: Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich took over after Robert Saleh’s firing, with Todd Downing replacing Nathaniel Hackett as the offensive play-caller.
- Injury Impact: C.J. Mosley may return after missing three games with a toe injury, while nickel corner Michael Carter II is out due to a back injury.
- Key Game for Jets: Coming off a loss in London, the Jets are looking to rebound as they face the Buffalo Bills, hoping Rodgers’ return sparks the struggling offense.
Deep Look
This will be Rodgers’ first game back after a disappointing performance last Sunday in London, where he threw three interceptions in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The game was widely considered his worst outing since joining the Jets in the offseason, raising concerns about his health when his leg was twisted awkwardly during a play. Although Rodgers stayed in the game, his limited practice time earlier in the week suggested he was still recovering. However, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who took over after Robert Saleh’s firing, confirmed that Rodgers is “ready to go” for Monday’s matchup.
“He’s looked really good,” Ulbrich said during his media availability on Saturday. “He’s a magician when it comes to taking care of his body and working on his recovery. He looks like Aaron again, and that’s fantastic news for us.” Ulbrich, who stepped into the head coaching role after Saleh was fired earlier in the week, praised Rodgers for his resilience, noting that the 40-year-old quarterback’s preparation and commitment to fitness have helped accelerate his recovery.
A Tough Loss in London
Rodgers will be looking for redemption after the Jets’ tough loss to the Vikings in London, where his performance raised eyebrows. The four-time NFL MVP had a rough outing, throwing three interceptions and failing to generate much offense in the 24-10 defeat. During one play, Rodgers’ leg was twisted awkwardly, and while he was able to stay in the game, his limited mobility and accuracy were evident. The injury scare, combined with a rough outing, had fans concerned, but Rodgers’ recovery this week has Jets fans hopeful that their quarterback can return to form in time for Monday night’s game against the Bills.
The stakes are high for Rodgers and the Jets, who are hoping to turn their season around after a shaky start. The game against Buffalo, a division rival and one of the AFC’s top contenders, presents a critical opportunity for New York to make a statement. Rodgers’ leadership and ability to perform under pressure will be key as the Jets face a formidable Bills defense that has been one of the best in the league.
Coaching Changes and Offensive Struggles
Rodgers’ return isn’t the only change for the Jets this week. Following Saleh’s firing on Tuesday, Jeff Ulbrich was named interim head coach, tasked with reviving a team that has underperformed so far this season. Along with Saleh’s departure, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was demoted from his role as the team’s primary play-caller. Hackett had struggled to get the Jets’ offense on track, leading to his reassignment. Taking over play-calling duties for the struggling offense is Todd Downing, the Jets’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Downing will be under pressure to find a way to reignite the Jets’ offensive unit, which has struggled to maintain consistency. His first challenge will be devising a game plan that maximizes Rodgers’ strengths while addressing the team’s issues in protecting the quarterback and generating downfield plays. With Rodgers back at full strength, the hope is that Downing’s approach can bring the spark the team needs to be competitive against the Bills.
Key Injuries Impacting the Jets
While Rodgers’ return is a significant boost, the Jets are still dealing with a number of injuries to key players. One of the most notable absences will be nickel cornerback Michael Carter II, who injured his back during pregame warmups last week and was forced to leave the game early. Carter didn’t practice at all this week and was officially ruled out for Monday’s game, which could weaken the Jets’ secondary against Buffalo’s explosive passing attack.
On the positive side, linebacker C.J. Mosley may make his return after missing the last three games due to a toe injury. Mosley, a key leader on the Jets’ defense, was limited in practice throughout the week but has been listed as questionable for the game. According to Ulbrich, Mosley has made significant progress in his recovery, and the team is hopeful that he’ll be able to play. “He’s felt the best he’s felt in a while this week, so we’re hopeful,” Ulbrich said. Mosley’s return would be a major boost for the defense, particularly in containing the Bills’ dynamic offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.
In addition to Mosley, defensive tackle Leki Fotu could make his season debut after spending the first five games on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Fotu’s practice window opened last week, but the team decided to give him more time to recover before activating him. Ulbrich hinted that Fotu is “trending” toward playing, which would strengthen the Jets’ defensive front.
One bright spot for the Jets’ offensive line is the expected return of right tackle Morgan Moses, who missed the last two games with a knee injury. Moses practiced in full on Saturday and was removed from the injury report, signaling that he will be back to protect Rodgers on Monday night. His presence should provide a boost to an offensive line that has struggled at times to keep Rodgers upright.
A Pivotal Matchup for the Jets
Monday night’s game against the Bills is a pivotal moment for the Jets, who are looking to recover from a rocky start to the season and make a push for the playoffs. Rodgers’ return, along with the possible return of key defensive players like Mosley, could help the Jets turn things around. However, they face a tough challenge in the Bills, one of the top teams in the AFC.
The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, have been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season. Their defense, ranked among the league’s best, will pose a significant test for Rodgers and the Jets’ offense. The Jets will need to find ways to protect Rodgers and establish a balanced attack to keep up with Buffalo’s high-powered offense.
For the Jets, this game isn’t just about one win—it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season. With Rodgers back on the field, the team has a chance to show they can compete with the best, but they’ll need to be firing on all cylinders to pull off a win against a tough division rival.
Aaron Rodgers Cleared Aaron Rodgers Cleared
