New York Jets respond to claims Aaron Rodgers could be shut down

The New York Jets are not planning on shutting Aaron Rodgers down this week, despite reports that both the quarterback and the team themselves want to part ways.

Interim head coach Jeff Ulrich addressed the speculation surrounding Rodgers at a press conference on Monday, with the team returning to practice after a bye week.

'All I can say - and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy - but he's better off today than he's been as of late,' Ulrich said about Rodgers playing this weekend.

'So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has for probably the last month, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, excited about what that looks like.'

Ulrich also denied recent reports that Rodgers, 40, had refused to undergo scans to determine exactly how injured he is.

'That's news to me,' Ulrich said.

The Jets' hopes of reaching the postseason hang by a thread with their record at 3-8 going into Sunday's showdown against Seattle. They have lost seven of their last eight games. 

Last week, general manager Joe Douglas was also fired by the Jets - following head coach Robert Saleh out of the exit door in what has been a rocky season. 

The Seahawks, meanwhile, lead NFC West on 6-5, but in a division where last-place San Francisco 49ers are 5-6. 

They beat Arizona Cardinals 16-6 on Sunday.