Jets' Preseason Approach Differs from AFC East Rivals

Gang Green's starting QB remains on the sidelines during game action

Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones all saw action in NFL Preseason games on Saturday.

With the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots all playing their No. 1 quarterbacks, the New York Jets broke from the script written by their AFC East rivals.

As planned, future Hall-of-Fame field general Aaron Rodgers did not suit up for Saturday night's home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. Instead, Zach Wilson received his third consecutive preseason start and Tim Boyle came on for the entire second half in the Jets' 13-6 setback at MetLife Stadium.

Reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and fellow receiver Randall Cobb both joined the 39-year-old Rodgers on the sidelines. Offseason free-agent additions Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman took first-team WR reps with Wilson at QB.

While Rodgers wore a headset on Saturday, his division counterparts were called into action. None of the three managed to throw a touchdown pass in their respective preseason contests.

Tagovailoa's first pass attempt was intercepted by the Texans while Allen was harassed by the Steelers' pass rush for much of his one quarter of play. Making his last throw 44 seconds into the second quarter, Jones finished 6-of-9 passing for 52 yards.

QB Aaron Rodgers claps on the sideline Saturday night at MetLife Stadium :: © Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Rodgers has not participated in an NFL Preseason game since 2018 and there's only one chance remaining to end that streak this summer. The four-time NFL MVP's status for the preseason finale against the New York Giants on August 26 is still to be determined.

"We’ll see. We’re going to have all the talks about how we’re going to handle this third one, whether or not we want a dress rehearsal – not game plan or anything – but just make sure that everyone is getting out there to play," said head coach Robert Saleh after Saturday's game. "Again, we're gonna talk about it all over the next couple of days."

Saleh said Rodgers's opinion in the matter is more than welcome. 

"He can always interject. I’m always going to lean on him and talk with him, so he will definitely be part of the discussion," said Saleh.

Rodgers commented on the issue back on August 9.

"Oh, I don’t care. I haven’t played in a while, and I’ll be ready either way," said Rodgers.

In other quarterback news, Bucs' backup John Wolford was carted off the field after sustaining an apparent neck injury late in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Tampa Bay Bucs writer Scott Smith reported that Wolford "has movement in his extremities and is going to be taken to a local hospital for evaluation."

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