Due to Aaron Rodgers’ blockbuster addition to the roster, Robert Saleh noted Wednesday that he fielded few questions about several players on the Jets’ roster — third-string quarterback Tim Boyle prominently among them.
At least until another veteran signal-caller is brought in by the organization, Boyle suddenly will serve as the primary backup to Zach Wilson beginning with Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.
The 28-year-old Boyle was elevated from the practice squad after Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the first quarter of Monday’s season-opening win over the Bills.
“It was devastating. Unfortunately I knew it was bad as soon as he hit the turf,” Boyle told The Post of Rodgers after practice on Wednesday. “I’ve been around Aaron now for four years and he’s a tough son of a gun. I was hoping it’s not too bad, but it’s devastating for our team, and we’re gonna miss him, for sure.
“But I also think we’ll be just fine with Zach and myself. The show goes on.”
Boyle, who grew up near Hartford, spent three years as Rodgers’ teammate in Green Bay from 2018-20, so he is familiar with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s system.
He also played for the Lions and the Bears over the past two seasons, respectively, before signing with the Jets in April.
“I would’ve gone to whichever team wanted me, but Coach Hackett was a huge draw,” said Boyle, who made three starts for Detroit in 2021. “Aaron obviously was a huge draw, and then a couple of other guys I played with before, and being close to home was a factor.
“It was just comfort and the familiarity with Hackett, understanding what he’s gonna call and why he’s gonna call it. It definitely helps the situation, for sure. And I feel like if I have to step in the huddle, I wouldn’t miss a beat.”
Wilson, the team’s first-round pick in 2021, replaced Rodgers against the Bills, and he will be the starter after helping the Jets to Monday’s overtime victory.
“Being the backup is tough, you don’t get the reps in practice, so I was very impressed with the way he handled it,” Boyle said. “He made some good throws, converted some important third downs.
“I think we’re going to be fine with Zach, to be honest with you. I wasn’t around here last year, but I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about his progression from where he’s been. And I think being around Aaron has really helped his development.
“We feel comfortable with him at the helm and I think he’s gonna do a hell of a job.”
If not, the next “next man up” presently would be Boyle, who completed 66.1 percent of his passes (37-for-56) in the preseason for 358 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
With Rodgers sidelined, he’s now one play away from being in the game for the Jets.
“There’s a lot of really good football players on this team that deserved to be spoken about, and Tim’s one of them,” Saleh said. “I thought he did a great job over the course of the offseason getting better, especially during preseason games. I thought he showed very well in the preseason games.
“He’s very familiar with the system, being with Green Bay and understanding the things that are asked. He had time with Aaron, obviously, being in the same room. Very smart, he’s got talent and he’s just somebody that we’re excited to work with.”
