The New York Jets are beginning a mandatory two-day minicamp on Tuesday. But, two of their biggest stars won’t be participating. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher Haason Reddick are both absent.
Both absences are considered unexcused, which means they could be fined for the New York Jets. But, their absences are vastly different. Rodgers was present for the required physical on Monday and took part in media day.
His absence, while unexcused, was expected. He had been in communication with head coach Robert Saleh and let it be known he would not be attending. Rodgers has been a regular presence at offseason workouts during his tenure with the Jets.
“Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started,” coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s very good in communication. He’s been here the entire time. It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated.”
Building team chemistry is something that Rodgers has been preaching since the New York Jets acquired him from the Green Bay Packers. Outside of this two-day absence for something that was already planned, he has practiced what he preached.
The same cannot be said about Reddick, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and hasn’t been present for anything. He was seeking an extension from the Eagles, which is part of the reason that they were so willing to trade him.
The contract drama has only heightened since being with New York. There has reportedly been no communication between Saleh and his newest edge rusher and no one knows when Reddick may show up and report to the team.
“He’s in a really good place mentally, working his tail off like we already knew, but he’s choosing to sit out this one unexcused,” Saleh said.
That will be something worth keeping an eye on. The New York Jets know that Rodgers will be back in the mix at the next opportunity, but unless an extension is worked out with Reddick, he may not report for weeks.
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