New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been open about his recovery from the torn Achilles the star sufferd four plays into his career with the team back in September 11.
Notably, the soon-to-be 40-year-old future Hall of Famer has not given up on the possibility of returning late in the regular season.
With his 4-4 Jets visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday Night Football, Rodgers doubled down on this belief. He told NBC’s Melissa Stark that he’s eyeing a mid-December return to action.
“I know it sounds insane, but if you do a good surgery, have a good patient, it makes this possible,” Rodgers said.
This would be absolutely insane. Typically, rehab from a torn Achilles lasts a full calendar year. If Rodgers’ goal is met, he’ll return in roughly four months.
At this point, we wouldn’t put it past Rodgers to return in that timeline. His rehab process has gone about as well as can be expected. It was back in mid-October that Rodgers was seen walking without crutches. Ahead of last Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he was out on the field throwing 50-yard bombs, too.
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Aaron Rodgers return will be dictated by where the New York Jets are
If New York is out of the playoff race once mid-December comes, it would make absolutely no sense for Rodgers to return. Rather, he’d be better off taking the entire offseason and making sure he’s 100%.
With that said, New York entered Week 10 with a 4-4 record. It is right in the thick of the AFC Playoff race despite major struggles on offense (30th in the NFL in scoring at 16.5 points per game).
New York’s offense was built around what Rodgers has done throughout his career. Wilson has been unable to hold up his end of the bargain with the three-time NFL MVP sidelined.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 65% completion, 59,055 yards, 475 TD, 105 INT
It’s been all about the Jets’ defense. Last week’s loss to the Chargers was the first time all season that this unit didn’t score a touchdown in a game.
After taking on the Raiders, these Jets go up against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins before a Dec. 3 date with the Atlanta Falcons.
In looking at Rodgers’ own timeline, Dec. 10 against the Houston Texans or Dec. 17 against the aforementioned Dolphins could be his return date.