In spite of Aaron Rodgers' absence from mandatory minicamp this week, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh denied on Wednesday that there's any tension, rift or disconnect with his quarterback.
Saleh attempted to clear up any confusion regarding the team's star QB after telling reporters on Tuesday that Rodgers' absence was "unexcused."
"Aaron and I are on the exact same page," Saleh said on Wednesday, adding that he was aware of Rodgers' plans. "There's no issue between Aaron or his teammates, for that matter.
"We addressed it yesterday. It's more of an issue for everyone outside the building than it is inside."
The Jets also are dealing with the absence of pass rusher Haason Reddick, who wants a new contract. Under the league's collective bargaining agreement, both absent Jets players are subject to rolling fines for missing this week's sessions.
Rodgers, 40, who missed almost all of last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon after a Week 1 injury, has been at the team facility for most of the spring and reportedly was there Monday before leaving. Saleh said on Wednesday that he hadn't talked to Rodgers in the previous 24 hours.
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor took most of Rodgers' first-team reps in practice on Tuesday. Taylor told reporters on Tuesday that he found out that he would be receiving the bulk of the snaps after arriving at the team's facility this week. Asked why Taylor was in the dark on Rodgers' attendance, Saleh deflected.
"Nope, it's a one-on-one conversation that's not something the team needed to know about," the coach told reporters.
Rodgers missing two June practices (the Jets do not have any scheduled activities on Thursday) -- especially following a major injury last year, followed by a prolonged rehab -- might not be the biggest deal in and of itself. But the lack of clarity on Rodgers' whereabouts has opened Pandora's box in what often is a slower time on the NFL calendar, kicking up the dust on Jets drama no one there wanted or likely expected.
Nonetheless, Saleh said he liked what he saw from his team without Rodgers or Reddick.
"I thought yesterday was one of our more spirited practices," Saleh said.
The Jets can only hope that spirit carries over to training camp roughly five weeks from now -- with both of their stars present, which remains the firm expectation.
