New York Jets respond to claims Aaron Rodgers could be shut down

The New York Jets have no plans to cut Aaron Rodgers this week, despite reports that both the quarterback and the team itself want to part ways.

Interim head coach Jeff Ulrich addressed the speculation surrounding Rodgers during a press conference on Monday, with the team returning to practice after a bye week.

“All I can say — and you should ask Aaron if he’s fully healthy — but he’s better off today than he has been lately,” Ulrich said of Rodgers’ performance this weekend.

“So he’s definitely feeling healthier than he’s probably felt in the last month, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers that we all love. So I’m curious to see what that looks like.’

Ulrich also denied recent reports that Rodgers, 40, had refused to undergo scans to determine exactly how injured he is.

“That’s news to me,” Ulrich said.

The Jets’ hopes of reaching the postseason hang by a thread with their 3-8 record entering Sunday’s showdown against Seattle. They have lost seven of their last eight games.

Last week, general manager Joe Douglas was also fired by the Jets after head coach Robert Saleh exited what has been a difficult season.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, lead the NFC West at 6-5, but in a division where the last-place San Francisco 49ers are 5-6.

On Sunday they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-6.