Back in the fold following an injury early in training camp, Jets WR/returner Xavier Gipson is eager to get on the same page with four-time MVP QB Aaron Rodgers.
"It was a difficult time to have that injury during the learning stage of camp," Gipson said of his hamstring issue. "I am trying to earn a spot, I always feel that way every day, and I missed a lot of reps. Now I am trying to get back in the groove and get going."
Gipson signed with the Jets last May as an undrafted free agent and began his rookie season primarily as a punt and kick returner, and a long shot to make the team. After impressing during camp, he made the regular-season roster.
Heading into the 2024 season, Gipson is expected to have a bigger role on offense. And despite limited experience playing with Rodgers, he has been putting in the work to build chemistry with the future Hall of Famer.
"Playing with Rodgers is different because he can read the defense and he just feels things," Gipson said. "He is special to me. It is a big difference playing with him and knowing he could change the play or audible at any time. It has really been something I have had to adjust too."
Over the offseason and into OTAs, Gipson watched film of former teammate, and one of Rodgers' favorite targets in Green Bay, WR Randall Cobb. In 10 seasons playing together, Rodgers and Cobb connected for 6,316 yards and 47 touchdowns.
Gipson got off to fast start in training camp before being sidelined for a week and half with the a hamstring injury. He returned to practice in early August and has been taking Rodgers 101 at an accelerated pace.
"[Rodgers] really just wants to you be smart, play ball, be on the same page and know what you're doing," Gipson said. "He does not get out of character much until you aren't doing the right thing consistently over and over."
In his limited training camp action, Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett have been using Gipson all over the formation. With a deep route tree and a freakish change of direction, he has the potential to be a versatile weapon in the Jets' offense and one of AR-8's favorite targets.
"Gippy, X, Xavier, Zay, whatever you want to call him, the big thing for him is we want him to use his speed," HC Robert Saleh said. "As a rookie, sometimes you think so much that you forget to use your superpower, which for him is speed. I think he's been demonstrating that, play in and play out this year."
