Aaron Rodgers was not in the mood for excuses after his long-awaited return fell flat as the New York Jets lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Rodgers, who managed just four snaps in 2023 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, threw 13-for-21 and 167 yards in a rusty performance that saw the Jets struggle on offense in a 32-19 loss.
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He did connect with Allen Lazard for a 36-yard touchdown pass but that was a rare highlight as the Niners, despite missing star running back Christian McCaffrey, dominated.
Asked if his long absence had contributed to an underwhelming performance, Rodgers said: “That’s an excuse, for sure. I’m not gonna use that. I don’t think we should.
“We expect greatness when we step on the field. There were moments for sure, moments that felt really good, but not sustained.
“This is a tough opener for us, travel-wise and schedule-wise, but no excuses. We have to play better and I have to play better and we’ll bounce back.”
“There’s a lot to build on.” pic.twitter.com/GlmZqCYyVZ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 10, 2024
Rodgers thanks those instrumental in his return
It may have been a disappointing return but the 40-year-old was just pleased to be back out there.
“Yeah, it’s been a while, it felt great. A lot of gratitude just to be back in pads. So many people helped me get to this spot,” Rodgers said. “So I’m really thankful for my surgeon, my loved ones, my friends, the staff here, training staff to help me get back was really cool.
“Obviously, wanted to take a shot and feel the physicality of it. Once I threw a couple balls and took a shot, it felt good, felt like I was into the game.”
Next up for Rodgers and the Jets is a trip to the Tennessee Titans.
He added: “A lot to correct, but overall I feel good about our guys. I thought protection was really good tonight.
“We were just a little off in the run game, couldn’t get Breece [Hall] going, couldn’t get him enough space, but a lot to build on.”
