The Jets and Aaron Rodgers will again start the season on Monday Night Football.
Tuesday morning, the NFL announced the 49ers will host Rodgers and the Jets on Monday Night Football on Sept. 9.
This will be Robert Saleh‘s first meeting against Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers as Jets head coach. Saleh was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator from 2017-20. Saleh was on the coaching staff when the 49ers played in Super Bowl LIV in 2019 before losing to the Chiefs.
Another storyline coming into the game involves Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was a former 49ers linebacker for 10 seasons.
Last September, Rodgers made his Jets debut on Monday Night Football against the Bills at MetLife Stadium. However, his game was cut short after four plays due to an Achilles tear. Despite his absence, the Jets secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Bills.
Rodgers had surgery on his Achilles two days after the injury occurred. The plan was for Rodgers to return last season after he had a “speed bridge” procedure designed to expedite the recovery process. But the Jets were eliminated from postseason contention with a Week 15 30-0 loss to the Dolphins.
Rodgers was still placed on the 53-man roster for the season’s final three games to continue practicing with the team. According to Saleh, Rodgers will have zero restrictions during OTAs, which begins on Monday.
The Jets are coming off a 7-10 season that was hindered by poor quarterback play following Rodgers’ injury. Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle all received snaps under center for the Jets.
Shanahan and the 49ers are again coming off an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl LVIII appearance. They finished 12-5 before losing to the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes won his third Super Bowl MVP after the 25-22 overtime victory.
