Jets OTAs Blotter: Injury Scares Not Enough to Dampen Excitement in Florham Park

Things we learned as Gang Green kicked off Phase 3 this week

Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard both briefly terrified New York Jets' fans on Tuesday. 

Two of the offense's new additions were forced to leave the playing field due to injuries at the Phase 3 OTAs practice session, which was open to media. 

Fortunately, their absences were short and the injuries were minor.

Rodgers strained a calf during the warmup portion of the day and remained sidelined for the duration of practice.

"I just tweaked my calf in the little pre-practice conditioning, so I decided to take a vet day," said Rodgers at the podium. "I don't think it's too serious."

Lazard, who was Rodgers' top pass-catching target in Green Bay last season, fell to the ground during a practice rep and eventually walked off the field. He re-joined the group during 7—on—7 drills, but with many unaware of his updated status, speculation ran rampant across social media channels.

The 6-foot-5 Lazard provided a sigh of relief for Jets' faithful when he cleared everything up with a post-practice tweet. 

"I’m good y’all 🙏🏽 not sure why they didn’t report that I practiced the rest of the day at 100% but I’m good lol. Just got hit in the gonads 🫠," said Lazard on Twitter.

Lazard led the Packers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788) last year. He signed a four-year free-agent deal with the Jets in March.

Q-Ball Expected Back at Some Point

All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams wants a new contract and has not been present at the team facility during the voluntary offseason program. 

When he finally does return, the Jets' former top draft pick will be playing on the fifth-year option of the rookie deal he signed in 2019.

In addition to his current contract status. Williams is likely absent so he can be present for a life-changing event at home. The interior lineman is expecting a child as Jets' head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged during his remarks on Tuesday. 

"Q-Ball, I know they’re about to have a baby, which is awesome. Q, good luck brother.," said Saleh during his pre-practice media availability. 

As for Saleh's take on Williams' presumed "holdout," the third-year head coach doesn't foresee a lingering issue. 

"I’m not worried at all. That thing will get done and he’ll be here," said Saleh.

Chuck Clark Happy to Have New Home

After a break-up in Baltimore, the veteran safety has landed with the Jets. 

"I was ready to get out of there," said Clark, who requested a trade from the Ravens over a year ago.

Now, he joins a high-profile defensive unit that allowed the fourth-fewest yards and points in the NFL last season.

"I knew about the defense for sure," said Clark. "I'm excited to be here."

He'll likely fit into the free safety spot that unsigned Lamarcus Joyner occupied in 2022. Clark, who can play multiple roles in the defensive backfield, has made at least 66 tackles in each of the past four seasons. (Read MORE about Clark)

Jets' safety Chuck Clark at OTAs on Tuesday / © Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Rejuvenated Rodgers Ready to Lead

The 39-year old Rodgers has 18 NFL seasons under his belt and plenty of wisdom to share with his new team.

"He’s had a lot of schemes in his day, obviously, so he has a wealth of knowledge," said Saleh. "The amount of communication, pre-snap, post-snap, just sitting in meetings and having him be vocal about his cadence and the way he wants to operate within the offense as a quarterback calling the signals."

Tight end CJ Uzomah has already seen the benefits of having Rodgers in the building.

"Meetings. Meetings is the biggest, is where we feel his presence the most, because it's not just someone talking to you. It's, 'Hey, we're gonna stop for a second and talk about this,' just so we're all on the same page," said Uzomah.

Rodgers explained the importance of communication in those meetings.

"I’ve always done that [speaking up in meetings]," said Rodgers. "I don’t know if they’re used to that around here, so just trying to set the standard for really nice open communication in all of those meetings." 

Rodgers seems to enjoy his sage-like role with his new team.

"It’s fun being in the quarterback room with young guys and guys that I really love and respect and genuinely want to improve and are eager to learn and listen," said Rodgers.

With a four-time MVP leading the way, the energy level has been turned up in Florham Park.

"There’s been a lot of excitement around here and it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of," said Rodgers. "Obviously, there’s high expectations, which is great. That’s the way you want them, but yeah, I’m definitely rejuvenated."

QB Aaron Rodgers smiles at Jets OTAs / © Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Hall, Becton and Vera-Tucker Injury Updates

Three Jets offensive starters are working their way back from injuries that required surgery.

Second-year running back Breece Hall and fourth-year tackle Mekhi Becton did not practice at Tuesday's OTAs. Saleh said, "they’re still going through protocol."

Hall tore his ACL against the Denver Broncos last October while Becton didn't even make it to Week 1 after his right knee injury ended his 2022 campaign during the NFL Preseason.

Former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is highly likely to start at right guard, was active on the field for the second of 10 practice sessions that are permitted during Phase 3 of the NFL off-season program. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle last year, missing the last 10 games as a result.

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