Rodgers's Five-Year Preseason Streak Continues when Jets Host Bucs

Zach Wilson back at QB1 for Gang Green's third straight exhibition game

Aaron Rodgers's streak of sitting out preseason games will live on for at least another week.

The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback will again wear a headset instead of a helmet when the New York Jets host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 7:30 pm ET kickoff on Saturday, August 19 at MetLife Stadium. The game will air live on WCBS in the New York market with Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Anthony Becht (analyst) on the call.

The 39-year-old Rodgers has not seen game action during the NFL Preseason since 2018.

"Very similar to last game," said head coach Robert Saleh on the intended personnel deployment for the team's third preseason tilt. "A couple more defensive guys will play, but that same plan for the offense."

The "same plan for the offense" means Zach Wilson will exercise QB1 duties. The former No. 2 overall draft pick is 17-of-25 passing for 188 yards and one touchdown in three quarters of play this summer.

All in all, it seems as if Wilson has positively altered his trajectory thus far in training camp.

"As for Zach, he’s been stacking up a lot of great days, really pumped for him, and I’m just going to keep knocking on wood for him. He’s doing really, really nice," said Saleh after the team returned to practice on Tuesday.

After losing the starting job last year, Wilson has been able to take a step back and grow in his new role as Rodgers's understudy.

QB Zach Wilson drops back to pass against Carolina / © Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

"I hope that this time for him is like a deep inhale and exhale," said Rodgers prior to the Hall of Fame Game. "Just go be himself and look at this as a chance to reset. I think he’s done it. It’s a tough position. You’re the guy, you dealt with all the stuff last year."

There's a decent chance that Wilson will have the opportunity for a fourth consecutive preseason start in the August 26 finale against the New York Giants. Saleh has not yet reached a decision on whether or not Rodgers will see any game action prior to the Monday Night Football season opener.

"I’m not there yet, no," said Saleh on Thursday.

Rodgers claims to welcome either scenario.

"Oh, I don’t care. I haven’t played in a while, and I’ll be ready either way," said the four-time NFL MVP on August 9.

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