Robert Saleh: Aaron Rodgers missed mandatory minicamp for, 'an event that was very important to him'

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is missing the team’s first day of mandatory minicamp. And coach Robert Saleh said it’s an unexcused absence.

Saleh confirmed to reporters that Rodgers wasn’t at practice. The coach didn’t provide any details other than to say he’s attending “an event that’s very important to him.”

“Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started,” Saleh told reporters. “He’s been very good in communications and he’s been here the whole time. It’s inexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated. If it’s important to him, it’s important to us.”

Robert Saleh says Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is an "inexcused" absence at mandatory minicamp.

Saleh said Rodgers is attending "an event that's very important to him." pic.twitter.com/0zOn6cHKpJ

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 11, 2024

Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick also is MIA at minicamp

Rodgers wasn’t the only Jets player who was absent from minicamp. Newly acquired pass rusher Haason Reddick was also a no-show. New York sent a third round draft pick to the Eagles to secure Reddick. But Reddick, who wants a new contract, no matter the team, did not participate in OTAs. And now he’s missed the first day of a two-day camp.

Missing minicamp is costly. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, the first missed practice for unexcused reasons costs $16,953 in fines. The second day is $33,908. A third-day fine is $50,855. Reddick already has a rolling total of $250,000 worth of no-show fines for OTAs.

The Jets head coach says he’s in contact with Reddick.

“Spoke to him over the weekend,” Saleh told reporters. “Appreciate the dialogue. He’s in a really good place mentally, working his tail off like we already know, but he’s choosing to sit out this one. Inexcused.”

Rodgers probably can afford to miss minicamp, although he probably still is rusty. This is his second season with the Jets, but he missed all but four plays of the 2023 season because of a ruptured left Achilles. As Saleh said, he’s attended all OTAs. Rodgers also has no restrictions. But since all drills are non-contact and he’s wearing a red jersey, no Jets defender is going to get close to him.

Then there’s this fact. Rodgers is 40, so it’s not like he needs the work. With Rodgers not there, Tyrod Taylor takes over at QB1.