There’s no sense in beating around the bush.
With a healthy Aaron Rodgers back in the fold, Robert Saleh knows his New York Jets have to deliver and win a lot of ball games this year if he wants to stay on as head coach. This frail mindset likely colors Saleh’s clear denial about whether disgruntled pass-rusher Haason Reddick will be available in Monday night’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
On Thursday, Saleh noted that Reddick still hasn’t shown up to the Jets facility, as his holdout officially stretches past six weeks. Reddick is seeking a contract extension that New York hasn’t been willing to give out, and thus, he requested a trade earlier this offseason if his demands won’t be met.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news for Saleh, but if a key player literally hasn’t practiced with your team since the spring, and it’s now Thursday of a game week — traditionally, the ramp-down day of an NFL week regular season — AND your team is traveling on the road, then … he’s probably not going to play!
Call it a really good hunch:
Robert Saleh said Haason Reddick isn't here but he's not ready to rule him out for Monday yet.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 5, 2024
I understand Saleh and the Jets are still hoping Reddick eventually wreaks havoc for them on the defensive edge. By no means does his absence now rule him out for the rest of the season if both sides can reach an agreement soon. They should speak openly and optimistically about getting him back in their uniform but do it with a dose of realism.
Let’s not kid ourselves, even if it’s a combination of denial and gamesmanship (PSST, there’s no chance the 49ers have prepared for Reddick to play). Reddick is very likely not playing in the Jets’ opener.
The sooner Saleh and Co. make peace with that, their team will be better off.