The New York Jets will face off against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the very first week of the season. Rodgers’ return to New York will be watched closely by fans across the league. However, one of his former weapons won’t have the chance to play.
The Jets have refused to play Aaron Rodgers’ former teammate in their rematch
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) watcheswatches the action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Rodgers (8) watcheswatches the action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
A surprise decision on wide receiver Allen Lazard by the New York Jets ahead of Week 1’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers threw everyone off guard:
New York put out their list of inactives for the Week 1 game at MetLife Stadium and Lazard was on it, meaning he won’t suit up for the season-opening contest.
That is a shocking decision, to say the least.
Lazard wasn’t on the Jets’ injury report this week and he is listed as a starter on the team’s depth chart. Not to mention, the Jets already have a shaky situation at wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson.
So, what’s behind the decision?
East Rutherford, NJ -- October 14, 2024 -- Allen Lazard of the Jets scored a TD in the first half on a pass from Aaron Rodgers. The Buffalo Bills came to MetLife Stadium to play the NY Jets. The Jets played their first game under new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
East Rutherford, NJ — October 14, 2024 — Allen Lazard scored a TD in the first half on a pass from Rodgers. The Buffalo Bills came to MetLife Stadium to play the NY Jets. The Jets played their first game under new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
There is no concrete reason why Lazard is inactive as of this writing. There was no indication the veteran wideout had fallen out of favor with New York.
The only thing we can think of that makes sense is perhaps New York has reached a deal with another team to trade Lazard after Week 1 and are holding him out to make sure he doesn’t get hurt before then.
One team that could have interest in his services is the team the Jets will face on Sunday, the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has an equally shaky situation at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and an addition of Lazard would provide a strong boost.
Lazard also has a connection with Aaron Rodgers from their days together with the Green Bay Packers and Jets, and we all know how much the future Hall of Fame quarterback loves reuniting with his former receivers.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Rodgers (12) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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