Aaron Rodgers' changed preseason stance is slap in face to Packers

Aaron Rodgers didn't play a single preseason snap for the Green Bay Packers under Matt LaFleur. His last preseason appearance came all the way back in 2018.

Rodgers said last summer that he didn't see "any benefit" to suiting up in the preseason, noting that if he had to play, he would want to be out there for a meaningful number of snaps.

Even with a trio of rookie receivers to build chemistry with, Rodgers sat out of the entire preseason.

It won't be the same this summer. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Rodgers will start in the New York Jets' final preseason game this week against the New York Giants.

Rodgers said earlier this summer that he "wouldn't mind playing in the preseason," per ESPN. Now, he is set to make his first preseason appearance since 2018.

Aaron Rodgers: Former Packers QB to make Jets debut in preseason

Things have looked different for Aaron Rodgers this summer compared to last.

In his final year in Green Bay, Rodgers skipped the offseason program and didn't play a single preseason snap, despite needing to build chemistry with a new-look receiving corps.

He attended the entire Jets offseason program this summer, and now is starting in the preseason because he "wants to play," per Connor Hughes of SNY TV.

So, what's changed? Yes, he is on a new team, but Rodgers lacked valuable reps with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs last summer, and it showed early in the regular season. Attending OTAs and playing in the preseason may have helped them get on the same page sooner.

It seems Rodgers' stance has changed this year.

Despite that, the Jets are unlikely to go against the Giants' first-team defense in the final preseason game, so it's hard to see why there is a greater benefit to playing this summer compared to recent years with the Packers.

Regardless, it should make for must-see action for Packers fans. For the first time, Aaron Rodgers will play for an NFL team outside of the Green Bay Packers. And he will be throwing passes to some familiar faces.

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