Aaron Rodgers says playing first preseason game in five years was an 'easy conversation'

If you’re a 39-year-old quarterback, do you forget what it’s like to suit up and play in and preseason game? Aaron Rodgers hopefully has some muscle memory of the experience since he’ll be taking snaps Saturday against the Giants.

He hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2018. And that’s a millenium of time by NFL standards. Think about it. As Rodgers went through the preseason motions, Patrick Mahomes was preparing to be the starter with the Chiefs. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were rookies. Joe Burrow had just transferred from Ohio State to LSU. And Jalen Hurts had yet to do Crimson Tide-Sooners-Eagles. These quarterbacks now are Rodgers’ peers.

So why is Aaron Rodgers playing? Well, it’s the Giants-Jets. They’ll be playing at Met Life Stadium, their shared venue. And, coach Robert Saleh requested Rodgers play.

“There wasn’t much of a conversation with Robert,” Rodgers told reporters this week. “I think he was a little more nervous I might have said no. But I was already leaning toward asking him to play. So, it was an easy conversation.”

Rodgers had indicated when camp first started that he might play against the Giants. Since he moved from the Packers to the Jets, the Giants have emerged at the top of the rivalry list. Then, the quarterback also may want some live-action snaps in front of a rowdy in a full stadium to get a real feel for his new offense.

Saleh had a different reason. It’s about how you view football. Injuries happen. There’s no bubble wrap in football.

“You can’t coach scared, you can’t play scared,” Saleh said, when he confirmed news that Aaron Rodgers would play. “You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine.”

Burrow is the lone big-name quarterback to suffer a major training camp injury. He strained a calf muscle early, but isn’t limping anymore.

Some coaches around the NFL will allow their starting quarterbacks a preseason taste. Andy Reid wanted Mahomes to shake off the rust. Sean Payton has used Russell Wilson for the Broncos the past two games. Tua Tagovailoa made a brief appearance for the Dolphins last Saturday. Trevor Lawrence has played for the Jags. But other big names have remained seated including Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins and Jackson.

With Rodgers on the sideline, Zach Wilson, the previous starter, has received some extensive reps.

“There’s always that risk-reward,” Aaron Rodgers said in regards to preseason. “I think over the years it just hasn’t made sense based on a number of different factors. I used to enjoy playing in the preseason back in my younger years, just to kind of maybe take that first hit or feel the nerves on the first drive. So, I look forward to being out there.”