‘Hard Knocks’ life not what Saleh envisions for Jets

If Jets head coach Robert Saleh has any say in the matter, he will offer a hard no to “Hard Knocks.”

The Jets are one of four teams that could be forced by the NFL into granting access to HBO’s behind-thescenes training camp show.

The Bears, Commanders and Saints are the only other teams that can’t claim one of the three approved exemptions: A first-year head coach, a playoff berth in the past two seasons and an appearance on “Hard Knocks” in the past 10 seasons.

“I know there are several teams that would love for ‘Hard Knocks’ to be in their building. We’re just not one of them,” Saleh said.

In other words, the head coach’s not-so-subtle message was for the NFL to look elsewhere. He is not aware of any decision by the league.

The Jets became prime candidates for “Hard Knocks” when they traded for polarizing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has an axe to grind against Packers general manager Brian Guteknust and plenty to say on pretty much any topic in the world.

More than a decade after Darrelle Revis’ holdout was a central storyline to the Jets’ last appearance on “Hard Knocks” in 2010, history could repeat. The Jets’ best defensive player — Quinnen Williams — is similarly disgruntled with his inability to secure a longterm deal. Williams skipped all voluntary activities during the spring.

Unlike a week ago, when Saleh all but ruled out signing free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, he left open a door to consider adding Dalvin Cook, who was released Friday by the Vikings.

Cook, 27, has four straight Pro Bowl selections with no fewer than 1,135 rushing yards in each season. Breece Hall, the Jets’ every-down back, is coming off of a torn ACL, leaving Michael Carter as the top back during organized team activities.

“We’ll turn the stones over on that one,” Saleh said, deferring requests for more information to general manager Joe Douglas. “I’m not sure how the money works on that.”

The Jets still need to rework Rodgers’ contract to straighten out their salarycap situation.

➤ Tight end C.J. Uzomah limped off the field Friday, and it’s a good thing that the Jets don’t have a game until Sept. 11.

Rookie seventh-round pick Zach Kuntz and Jeremy Ruckert were left taking first-team reps because Tyler Conklin (undisclosed) and Kenny Yeboah (foot in a walking boot) were sidelined to begin practice.

➤ Rodgers confirmed that he attended all 10 of the Jets’ voluntary OTA practices.

“I originally planned on being back on the West Coast for at least a week to get with my body-work people and my trainers,” Rodgers said, “but when I hurt my calf, it was best that I was here the entire time rehabbing and just being around the guys.”

Rodgers said “every player” appreciates Saleh cancelling the mandatory minicamp that had been scheduled for next week knowing that training camp begins a week earlier than expected because the Jets will play in the first preseason game.

➤ Cornerbacks coach Tony Oden recently attended the NFL’s Coach Accelerator program, which is designed to increase exposure between owners, executives and diverse coaches so relationships can be built that might eventually correct the league’s lack of minority head coaches.

“I did leave that meeting feeling that it was a very clear, deliberate mindset from ownership to meet others,” Oden said. “I didn’t think they were just checking a box. I really believe that with all my heart after being there. They want to learn about other people. That was the impressive thing for me … and made it all worthwhile.”