Exhausted Aaron Rodgers reportedly “resisted” medical scans for fear the Jets will force him off the field

On By Littum

The New York Jets are on a bye this week, but the drama swirling inside the troubled organization hasn’t taken a break.

Aaron Rodgers, who has been described as “beaten up” for the past few months, has reportedly resisted medical scans offered by the Jets. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL NetworkRodgers has not wanted to “reveal the severity of his injuries for fear of having to come off the field.”

“Banged up” is a catch-all term used when a player is dealing with multiple injuries, which Rodgers apparently is. But now the continued lack of details about his injuries makes more sense; The Jets don’t know what’s going on with Rodgers because he reportedly won’t let them know. At this point, it’s not clear if Rodgers even knows the details of his injuries.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, New York Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets stands on the sidelines during the National Anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, New York Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers has been injured during the season, but he has reportedly resisted undergoing any medical scans offered by the Jets. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

It is possible that these injuries of unknown severity are what prevent him from playing better. The 40-year-old is coming off an Achilles injury that took him out of just four snaps in the 2023 season, and since returning, he’s been a magnet for leg-related injuries. He said his knee was slightly swollen after the Jets’ Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos, but according to Rapoport, Rodgers also suffered a “significant” hamstring injury that he insisted on playing through. A week later he suffered a low ankle sprain against the Minnesota Vikings. Then in Week 7, Rodgers’ hamstring problem flared up again. He has played through all these injuries.

With just six games left in the season and the Jets committing to a rebuild after firing their head coach and GM, Rodgers’ reported opposition to the team’s medical treatment could be connected to his desire to play in 2025. If he sits or is injured injured reserve, he has no chance to show any improvement or prove to at least one GM or owner that he has enough left in the tank as a (soon-to-be) 41-year-old to lead a team to glory.

Playing through multiple injuries might not be the best way for Rodgers to accomplish that, but if he wants to suit up as a starting quarterback in 2025, he may decide that’s his only option.