FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets opened up mandatory minicamp Tuesday morning, and in typical fashion, they couldn’t keep themselves out of the headlines.
Confusing player absences, quiet injury updates, and young players continuing to develop overtook the story at 1 Jets Drive, with plenty of other major takeaways to look through during minicamp.
Following practice, it’s time to break down some of those takeaways here.
Biggest Takeaways From Jets Minicamp on Tuesday
Aaron Rodgers, Haason Reddick Absences Loom Large
There’s no bigger takeaway than when your franchise quarterback and best edge rusher are not at mandatory work, and the coaching staff refuses to call it “excused.”
While many will look past Aaron Rodgers not attending mandatory minicamp due to his arrival Monday and communication with the team beforehand, head coach Robert Saleh poured gas on the fire by calling it an “unexcused absence” and saying he would be subject to a fine.
With Haason Reddick, he is looking for a new deal that the Jets cannot actually offer him right now. His absence remains a contract holdout and the biggest thing to watch over the next few months for New York.
Joe Tippmann Excels
Skill players always look better in workouts like this than offensive and defensive linemen. If you’re really paying attention, though, you can see who stands out along the line.
That player has easily been Joe Tippmann.
Offensive line coach Keith Carter consistently praised Tippmann’s technique and tenacity on the practice field while instructing others to perform drills similar to the second-year center.
Joe Tippmann drawing some early love from Keith Carter in drills.
Second-year center starting Year 2 off well.#Jets
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) June 11, 2024
It’s important to remember that while it’s still early in the offseason workouts, and the team has a near 60-day window to relax after minicamp, Tippmann has been a clear winner through the organized window.
Rookie Standouts
Tippmann wasn’t the only standout in practice on Tuesday. While Xavier Gipson continues to play more confidently than his rookie season last year, the Jets’ share of rookie runners continues to stand out in major roles.
Braelon Allen used his vision very well on outside stretch plays and continues to look overpowering when catching the ball out of the backfield. The 2024 fourth-round pick looks like a very strong candidate to be the second back behind Breece Hall.
Then there’s Isaiah Davis.
The South Dakota State product is a power runner similar to Allen, but if Tuesday’s practice was won by either of the rookies, Davis appeared to have the edge — not just as a receiver, but also as a blocker.
One particular play in 11-on-11 work saw wide receiver Allen Lazard catch a screen pass and run 15 yards before being touched.
Why did that happen? Because Davis had blocked his man straight into the sideline on the far side of the field. The impressive display of power and physicality as a blocker will surely win Davis some more reps as the Jets continue practicing.
Speaking of power – looked like Isaiah Davis laid a GREAT block on a receiver screen for Lazard.
Drew his defender into the sideline and then responded with a big run.#Jets rookie runners looking strong
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) June 11, 2024
Tyrod Taylor Offers Reassuring Practice
Last season, the Jets quickly knew their season was done once Rodgers suffered his torn Achilles. The practice reps that former backup Zach Wilson showed were nothing short of disappointing for a former second-overall pick and displayed just how deep the Jets were in the Rodgers hole.
That won’t be the case this season.
Tyrod Taylor, the journeyman quarterback with over a decade of playing experience, is the team’s immediate backup, and he was the starter for Tuesday’s practice. During that time, the former Giant showed exactly who he was as a player and leader.
KEEP READING: Jets Better Prepared for Worst-Case Scenario at QB in 2024
Taylor was strong in 7-on-7 work and serviceable in 11-on-11s. He didn’t stretch the field but was the kind of serviceable backup who could win a game with supreme talent around him.
There’s a reason the Jets “overspent” for the backup QB role, and Taylor is the perfect player to fit that build.
Jets’ Injury Updates
Let’s start with the bad news. There was, unfortunately, one injury New York suffered, and it was former fifth-round running back Israel Abanikanda. The Pittsburgh product suffered a shoulder injury and left practice toward the midway point. For a player already on the roster bubble, that’s not a good sign.
Now to the good news.
First, All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith continues to look excellent in practices. He’s been a full participant and has the kind of footwork you normally see from Hall of Famers. Smith continues to be an excellent addition to the Jets so far.
Two videos here:
First is one of Tyron Smith in an O-Line drill. The second is the same drill but with Olu Fashanu.#Jets getting some excellent work with their two left tackles. pic.twitter.com/7XHCSYglwX
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) June 11, 2024
Believe it or not, there’s even better news for New York. Despite not having Breece Hall at practice for simple maintenance, Saleh did mention that he would be playing if it were a game week.
Simply put, New York will not add more tread to Hall’s tires, given he’s such an important part of the offense.
Then there is the offensive line. During training camp last season, New York did not get its full starting five on the field together at the same time until the final week before the season began. That lack of chemistry showed out at ugly times during the Jets’ 7-10 campaign.
That won’t happen this year.
Saleh confirmed to reporters that offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and tackle Morgan Moses would both be ready for the start of training camp, leaving the Jets the chance to have their entire starting line work together immediately to start preparation for the 2024 season.
There’s no other way to sugarcoat it — that is a massive win for New York, and was arguably the most important takeaway from anything that happened Tuesday.