New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced that he would be playing his starters in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, August 9.
Jets beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor called it the team’s “first big mistake” of the new era.
“Let’s get this out of the way: For a team that has consistently lost for 14 seasons, it makes plenty of sense for Glenn to want to see his starters in action throughout the preseason. It is still a reckless decision, though,” Faria explained.
Aaron Glenn has done a lot of things right to start his tenure with the #Jets.
Playing his starters on Saturday seems like his first big mistake on the job.https://t.co/U10ECAka8v
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) August 8, 2025
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Faria Points out Questionable Depth at Several Positions
“Due to Glenn and the new front office going through a re-tooling of the roster, the Jets are thin at many positions. The depth at defensive line, wide receiver, and linebacker is concerning,” Faria explained. “That means keeping their starters healthy is of paramount importance.”
The NFL is a violent sport; not only can injuries happen, but they’re guaranteed to happen.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson dislocated his pinkie during the preseason opener on Thursday, August 7.
“Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater will miss the 2025 season with a ruptured patellar tendon suffered in practice Thursday,” ESPN’s Kris Rhim said.
However, Glenn has made his stance on injuries very clear.
“I think injuries are a part of this game and there is no way to hide from it,” Glenn told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. “Usually, when you try to hide from it, that’s when they pop up. The principles of this game will never change. This game is about running, blocking, and tackling, and if you don’t practice that, me as a head coach, how am I giving our guys a chance to win?”
No Excuses for Glenn Beat Reporter Explains
Faria bluntly said that, “the reality is that Glenn will not be excused if an injury happens to one of the team’s better players. If Garrett Wilson or Sauce Gardner were to suffer an injury on Saturday, and the team crumbles around their loss throughout the 2025 season, people will not excuse Glenn’s first season because of that.”
A devastating injury to Wilson or Gardner, who were just richly rewarded with historic deals, would be crushing.
However, any of these players can get hurt doing any number of things. Gardner could slip in the shower, Wilson could get hit by a bus, or they could get hurt in a preseason game.
Glenn already told the media earlier in training camp that you can’t be afraid of injuries.
“That is the exact reason why the Jets starters should not be playing during the preseason. With 17 games to play in just a few months, New York needs their team as healthy as possible to be competitive. That will not happen if someone important gets hurt,” Faria warned.
This Jets Team Needs Work
Having a healthy roster would certainly make the Jets more competitive, but being ready for the season would also help their efforts to remain competitive.
There is so much new with this roster. A new playcaller, new quarterback, new offensive pieces, different defensive pieces, a new defensive playcaller, and the list goes on and on.
The only way to accelerate the learning process is with live bullets. Those can’t be effectively simulated in practice.
The Jets need to work out the kinks when the results of the games don’t matter. No one cares if the Jets win or lose a preseason game, but the activity during the game sure matters.
Social Media Pushes Back on Faria’s Polarizing Jets Take
“This is the worst take I’ll read today. The entire roster is learning new systems and you want him to sit the starters in the preseason,” one fan openly questioned.
This is the worst take I’ll read today. The entire roster is learning new systems and you want him to sit the starters in the preseason? pic.twitter.com/w7jHCubZTy
— Kevin Robbins (@Kevin_Robbins55) August 8, 2025
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“If an injury happens, it will suck, but it is the nature of the beast. Gotta get reps,” another fan added.
If an injury happens, it will suck, but it is the nature of the beast. Gotta get reps.
— Jets Today (@NYJetsToday_) August 8, 2025
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“They’ve proven nothing. There’s literally no reason they shouldn’t play,” another fan piled on.
They’ve proven nothing. There’s literally no reason they shouldn’t play.
— Bryan (@BryanOreally) August 8, 2025
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