Jets' Aaron Rodgers misses mandatory minicamp; absence defined as unexcused
There's a big absence at the New York Jets minicamp.
Aaron Rodgers hasn't always been present at OTAs throughout his career, as is a right generally reserved for veterans and players of his stature. Missing minicamp, though, is a little bit different.
The Jets quarterback wasn't – and won't be – present at Jets minicamp, which began on Tuesday, June 11. The passer's absence isn't a surprise, according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
"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 inexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated. ...
"He had something that was very important to him," Saleh continued. "And if it's important to him, it's important to us."
Ultimately, the Jets passer is missing just two days of practice on Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 12.
It's unclear what "event" Rodgers has to attend, but the Jets head coach said he would be subject to CBA fines for missing minicamp.
Saleh explained that Rodgers was at the Jets' facility on June 10 for media day.
Rodgers isn't the only one who's away from the team for mandatory minicamp. New Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick has also been absent from the Jets offseason, as he reportedly seeks a new contract.
Rodgers is looking to regain form after tearing his Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season. He looks to guide the Jets to their first playoff berth since 2010; New York currently holds the longest playoff drought in North American sports.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Aaron Rodgers was an unexcused absence from Jets minicamp