New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke about a variety of topics at the first media availability of OTAs
On Tuesday morning, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media about various topics surrounding the team. Saleh gave updates surrounding the team’s health, saying that offensive linemen Olu Fashanu and Tyron Smith would both be practicing while Morgan Moses still has to work through some things. He also said that wide receiver Mike Williams and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker are not yet cleared for full football activities but look “good” and are progressing well.
Regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Saleh said he is “doing everything” and will fully participate in OTAs.
When asked about the Jets reportedly trying to replace offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Saleh did not comment. The head coach said that Hackett would be the team’s primary play-caller in 2024 and spoke about the possible growth he could show in 2024.
“You are always going to experience growth. Last year was a tremendous learning experience for everybody, including myself. I think it’s about building an offense that can weather the storm of injury. Last year, we got caught behind the eight ball with preparing. It’s all a part of trying to install an offense,” said Saleh.
“When you are trying to install an offense, you are trying to install it with a plan that it is going to stay healthy for the season in year one. With year two coming around, the offense is evolving in a way that keeps it where the offense can hum.”
Saleh was noncommittal when asked about Sauce Gardner potentially traveling with receivers this season, saying that it is “possible” he might do it more and they will be “judicious” in deciding when to have him move around the defense. He called Gardner “a weapon that we can use from a defensive standpoint” and mentioned that they will decide on Gardner’s traveling role on a “game to game” basis.
Saleh explained why the team elected not to take a bye week after its London game against the Vikings. He said they prefer a letter bye and that the early Thursday night game acts as a “miniature bye.” He also mentioned that the late-season bye should act as a “surge” to push the Jets toward a playoff run.
In what feels like a blink of an eye, it is already the end of May. The Jets have started their trek toward the regular season, and it will be fascinating to see how they progress over the coming weeks and months.
