Aaron Rodgers still wants to play says Jets coach Robert Saleh

Jets fans are a day away from learning whether Aaron Rodgers takes another step in his miraculous recovery from Achilles surgery.

But hello, this isn’t solely about appeasing Rodgers’ ego, so much as filling a need. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is in concussion protocol after taking a beating from the Dolphins defense in a 30-0 loss. If he can’t go, then it’s Trevor Siemian.

Then there’s Aaron Rodgers. The Jets have until Wednesday to make a decision as to whether they’ll move him to the active roster or leave him on injured reserve the rest of the season. Last week, when word broke that Rodgers was approaching medical clearance, one caveat about him playing said the game needed to be meaningful. A Christmas Eve game against the Commanders is anything but after the Jets lost 30-0 to the Dolphins. The loss eliminated the Jets from post season. Washington also isn’t playoff bound.

Jets coach says Aaron Rodgers ‘wants to go’ this Sunday

Still, reporters asked Jets coach Robert Saleh about any Aaron Rodgers details. And the coach told them “you could make arguments either way on both sides of the coin.”

“For sure, you always do, but Aaron (Rodgers) wants to play, let’s not confuse that one,” Saleh told reporters. “That’s why he’s been working so hard to get back. And his willingness to play, even if he’s not at 100%, is at the forefront of his mind. He wants to go. But, like I said, until he’s actually cleared, I’m not going to talk about it with anybody.”

Then Saleh talked more about what’s happening behind the scenes.

“Obviously we’ll have to meet with his doctors and see if there’s actual clearance on their part,” Saleh said. “There has to be clearance on our doctors’ parts, so there’s a lot of steps there. Then obviously there has to be a discussion with Aaron in terms of what the next step would be and the comfort level of everybody on board. It’s not something that’s made in a vacuum, but all the right conversations would be had.”

Aaron Rodgers will be on the Pat McAfee Show later Tuesday. And no doubt, McAfee brings up whether Rodgers wants to play or not. It always seemed like such a fantasy. Rodgers tore his Achilles on the Jets fourth offensive snap from their season opener. And now, the season almost is finished and Rodgers has a chance to see the field again.

What will he do?