NFL Network to Air Aaron Rodgers's First Jets Start Live
Aaron Rodgers's New York Jets debut will be available for all of America to see.
In a gift to out-of-market fans, NFL Network will carry Saturday's preseason broadcast live from MetLife Stadium. Gang Green and New York Giants are set to kick off at 6:00 pm ET on August 26 in what is a designated home game for Big Blue.
The Jets-Giants matchup is the middle leg of a Saturday tripleheader on NFL Network, which will air a total of six games live over the course of Preseason Week 3. The Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs kick off the slate at 1:00 pm ET. The Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos close it out at 9:00 pm ET.
The centerpiece of the weekend docket is undoubtedly Rodgers's first preseason game action since 2018.
"I think over the years, it just hasn’t made sense based on a number of different factors, but I used to enjoy playing the preseason back in my younger years," said Rodgers after Tuesday's practice in Florham Park. "Just to kind of maybe take that first hit or feel kind of the nerves in the first drive, so I look forward to being out there."
The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback will wear the Green & White threads as the Jets' field general for the first time ever in what will be a chance to tune up for the Monday Night Football season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 11.
"Ultimately, he'll have his thoughts, too, but for us as an organization, he's new," said head coach Robert Saleh explaining the decision to start the four-time NFL MVP in the preseason finale. "I know he's been in the league a very long time, but just didn't want September 11 to be the first time that he stepped into MetLife Stadium [as Jets' quarterback]."
Rodgers says he was of a similar mindset as the third-year head coach.
"There was not much of a conversation with Robert [Saleh]," said Rodgers. "I think he was a little more nervous that I might have said no, but I was already leaning towards asking him to play. So, it was an easy conversation and I’m not sure how long it’s going to be, but it will be good to be out there with the guys."
In terms of Rodgers's supporting cast for Saturday, starting guards Laken Tomlinson and Alijah-Vera Tucker are expected to play according to Saleh. Mekhi Becton will get the start as the right tackle.
Running backs Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall will not be active. Fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda will be out with a thigh contusion.
"No game planning," said Saleh. "What we’re doing is simulating the game week, so all of our times are different, the meeting times are different, we’re simulating what an in-season schedule would be like so guys get acclimated."
Fans located in the New York media market can view the game live via WNBC with Bob Papa and Carl Banks on the call.
NFLN PRESEASON WEEK 3 LIVE GAMES
Thursday, August 24
7:30 PM ET – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons – LIVE
Friday, August 25
8:00 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans – LIVE
11:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers – LIVE
Saturday, August 26
1:00 PM ET – Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs – LIVE
6:00 PM ET – New York Jets vs. New York Giants – LIVE
9:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos – LIVE
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