FLOWERY BRANCH — Even though the Jets activated Aaron Rodgers’ window of 21 days to return from injured reserve, the Falcons (5-6) likely will see Tim Boyle at quarterback when they face the Jets (4-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Boyle, who played at Connecticut and Eastern Kentucky, was with Rodgers when he played for the Packers in 2019 and 2020. They reunited this year in New York, where Boyle served as the third quarterback until their last outing against the Dolphins after they demoted Zach Wilson to third-string.
“Well, I know he learned a lot from Aaron Rodgers,” Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said. “When I was there for two years, he was at (Rodgers’) hip. He understands what’s going on.”
Boyle played in 11 games for the Packers, but never made a start. He was 3-of-4 passing in limited duty.
“He knows that Aaron Rodgers did a bunch of stuff that’s not in the playbook,” Gray said. “I know he did a lot of stuff that wasn’t in the playbook, which is good because now I can take control on the field. I can do the things that coaches can’t all of sudden call a play and think the play’s going to look like that.”
After two seasons with the Packers, Boyle made the Lions’ roster in 2021 and the Bears’ in 2022.
“Great football players always make coaches look good,” Gray said. “Trust me, I know that one. I know Tim knows those things. I know he just had his first start last week. He’s going to compete.”
While Rodgers won’t play, he’ll have a presence.
“Aaron Rodgers is going to be in his ear talking to him, giving him pointers on what we’re going to be doing on defense,” Gray said. “So, he’s actually getting coached by a guy who can’t play this week but is really, really good.”
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