Saleh defends plan to play Rodgers in preseason: 'Can't coach scared'

Facing the New York Giants during the preseason hasn't always been kind to New York Jets quarterbacks. But Jets head coach Robert Saleh is confident that playing Aaron Rodgers in Saturday's exhibition contest between the two teams is the right thing to do with Week 1 just around the corner.

"You can't coach scared, you can't play scared," Saleh said Tuesday, confirming the reports that Rodgers will start versus the Giants, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine."

In 2003, Jets starter Chad Pennington suffered a fracture to his non-throwing wrist during a preseason contest versus the Giants and was forced to miss the first six games of the regular season, according to Cimini. Mark Sanchez also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2013 during another preseason matchup between the two clubs.

Rodgers didn't play in the Jets' first three preseason games this year. Though the four-time NFL MVP hasn't taken a snap in an exhibition game since 2018, Saleh noted that New York won't be the first NFL team to put its most important players on the field with the 2023 regular season just weeks away.

"You see some of the great ones out there," Saleh added. "Kansas City is playing their guys, Buffalo is playing their guys. It's not uncommon. You can always play the hindsight game, the fearful game, but what's in the best interest of our team is going out and playing some football together and preparing ourselves the best way we can for Sept. 11."

The Jets acquired Rodgers in a blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers during the offseason, adding a future first-ballot Hall of Famer to a team that hasn't made the playoffs since the 2010 season.

"There's going to be a lot of anticipation and excitement in the building," Saleh said of Rodgers' preseason debut. "I just didn't want the first time that he goes out with his new team, new colors, new teammates, new stadium. ... I didn't want it to be the first time on Sept. 11."

New York has been one of the league's most aggressive teams this year. In addition to Rodgers, the team also brought in running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Allen Lazard, among others. Cook, as well as second-year running back Breece Hall, won't face the Giants on Saturday. They're both expected to be on the field in Week 1 versus the Buffalo Bills.

The Jets' offensive line has reportedly struggled in recent weeks, but the unit is welcoming back guards Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker. New York also plans to start 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton at right tackle Saturday.