Tippmann and RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, who like Rodgers is returning from an Achilles tendon injury, are the returning starters.

Another way to protect the quarterback is to establish the run. The Jets have a young all-around star running back in Breece Hall, who complements a young roster that also includes rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.

“The league is very cyclical and I think right now you’re seeing more teams trying to establish the run game because teams on defense have decided to play a lot more nickel and dime packages and use safeties as linebackers,” Rodgers said. “When you do that, you’re basically begging teams to run the football. So we have to run the football to create some space in the passing game, the play-action stuff. I like how we’ve done that. When you look at our backs, you have to be happy with 0 (Allen) and 32 (Davis) the way they played in the preseason. Breece is a totally different player this year.”

The Jets have one preseason game left (Aug. 24 against the Giants), meaning fans still have a chance to see Rodgers make his 2024 debut before the season opener at San Francisco in Week 1. HC Robert Saleh has not indicated whether Rodgers, who played a series in the season finale last year, will play.

“You never know,” Rodgers said. “I feel like Saleh ruled me out a few weeks ago, but if I beg him, maybe I’ll be able to be there.”

He added: “I’m fine. I miss being out there. Training camp is tough, but the worst part is not being able to play.”