In a surprise, Aaron Rodgers will not be taking part in this week’s mandatory minicamp, coach Robert Saleh said on Tuesday.
The star quarterback let the Jets know about his absence ahead of time. He had an “event that was important to him,” according to Saleh.
Rodgers was at the facility on Monday for his physical and to take part in photo day obligations.
Rodgers was one of two significant unexcused absences, along with new defensive end Haason Reddick. Both are subject to fines.
“Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started. He’s been very good in communication, he’s been here the entire time,” Saleh said. “It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated to me.”
Reddick, acquired from the Eagles in late March, is believed to want a new contract. Saleh said he spoke to him over the weekend for the first time since the trade.
He wasn’t worried about Reddick’s holdout continuing into training camp, though the two didn’t discuss that, or his contractual status.
“I appreciated 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 so it’s unexcused,” Saleh said. He later added: “I’m not concerned about Haason Reddick. I understand everything that’s happening, but at the same time I know that when it comes time to play football, he’s gonna be ready to play football.”
Reddick, a 29-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler, is owed $21.8 million in 2024 as part of a three-year, $45 million deal he signed before the 2022 season.
Saleh said questions about a new contract for Reddick should be directed for general manager Joe Douglas.
