5 Jets storylines to watch during 2024 NFL preseason

The Jets get their preseason underway on Saturday afternoon as they host the Washington Commanders in the first of three August games, ahead of the regular season opener on Sept. 8.

Here are five things to watch during the preseason…

Will Aaron Rodgers play?

Rodgers is always going to be the biggest story for this Jets team, even when he’s on the sideline, but it’s unclear whether they will give him a chance to suit up and play in the preseason.

Coming off a season-ending Achilles tear last September, Rodgers appears keen to get out there, which could be valuable in terms of enabling him to shake off any rust. While he’s looked good most of the time in training camp, there’s no substitute for real in-game reps. The coaching staff has so far been non-committal, though.

Rodgers did suit up in the preseason last year, leading a drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Rodgers to Garrett Wilson against the Giants. If he can do something similar in the preseason, that will inject some further confidence into the team.

Is Will McDonald about to make the leap?

The Jets’ 2023 first-round pick didn’t get many opportunities to contribute last season, but hopes are high that he’s positioned himself to undertake a much bigger role in 2024. Jermaine Johnson went from rotational reserve in his rookie year to Pro Bowler in year two, so the team would be thrilled to see similar year two growth from McDonald.

The outcome of Haason Reddick’s holdout will have a big effect on McDonald’s role this season, but it probably won’t change his preseason role that much as Reddick probably wouldn’t have played much anyway. McDonald should get plenty of chances to make an impact and will hopefully show the fans why head coach Robert Saleh has been praising his development.

The Jets have more healthy bodies available at the position than they did last preseason, so McDonald shouldn’t be required to play into the fourth quarter of preseason games again, as he and Bryce…

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Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-08-09 13:30:54

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