Aaron Rodgers ‘expected to start for the first time for the New York Jets in a preseason game against rivals Giants’

Aaron Rodgers will not have to wait until Week 1 of the regular NFL season to make his New York Jets debut, as the team plans to get its new quarterback involved in a preseason game against the New York Giants. 

The 39-year-old Rodgers is now expected to wear Gotham Green for the first time on Saturday, according to The New York Post. 

The four-time league MVP watched the Jets’ first three preseason games from the sidelines, as backup QB Zach Wilson was given some minutes under his belt. 

The Jets completed a blockbuster trade for Rodgers in April and great things are expected from the 10-time Pro Bowler this season, with the franchise bidding to add to its lonely 1968 Super Bowl title win. 

Rodgers is said to be in great shape and form in practice while also mentoring some of the Jets’ young players, including Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson.

The 39-year-old could start against the Giants – the Jets’ arch-rivals – on Saturday at MetLife

Jets head coach Robert Saleh remained open to the idea of having Rodgers play in the team’s final preseason game. 

After Saturday night’s 13-6 loss to the Buccaneers, Saleh said he’d discuss plans for next weekend’s game against the Giants with his starting quarterback. 

Earlier this summer, Rodgers said he wouldn’t mind playing in pre-season games if it helped him find his footage. Rodgers last played a preseason game in 2018 while he was still on the Packers. 

Coach Robert Saleh left the door open for Rodgers to play in the tam’s final preseason game

Rodgers has proven to be a mentor for some of the Jets’ young players since his trade in April

‘I wouldn’t mind playing in the preseason,’ Rodgers previously told reporters. 

‘I wouldn’t mind if Robert said ”Hey, we are going to go. Let’s do it.” Most coaches have that fear where they want to get you to the Week 1 and not risk it, but I believe there is a chance for the last one.’

If Rodgers starts against the Giants, then expect all starters on the Jets’ offense to be involved in Saturday’s game. 

One thing for sure is that Rodgers will start the 2023-24 season with 59,055 career yards, 475 touchdown passes and a 147-75-1 record as a starter in the NFL.