The Jets have begun their OTAs, and local media attended Tuesday’s session where head coach Robert Saleh gave updates on the team. Saleh confirmed that quarterback Aaron Rodgers is participating without any restrictions during OTAs.
These OTAs do not replicate game situations, and quarterbacks cannot be hit during practice, so this news isn’t surprising.
Saleh also mentioned that the team’s bye week is scheduled for late November instead of after their Week 5 game against the Vikings.
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The league typically allows teams to choose a bye week after a game in Europe. Generally, I agree that a later bye is preferable to allow the team to heal for the latter part of the season. We’ll have to wait and see how this benefits the Jets in 2024.
Saleh confirmed that there is an open competition for the starting safety job.
There have been suggestions that the Jets might look to add a safety in the remaining free agency period. Davis and Clark both received small contracts, so the Jets aren’t heavily committed to their current players at the position.
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There was also discussion about Sauce Gardner’s role.
The Jets haven’t typically used Gardner to shadow the opposing team’s top receiver due to their strong number two corner in DJ Reed. Given the team’s preference for zone defense, I’m skeptical that any change will have a significant impact.
Interestingly, Saleh declined to comment on a recent report that the Jets attempted to replace Nathaniel Hackett during the offseason.
