Andrew Buller-Russ
It didn’t take long for Aaron Rodgers to begin hyping up his eventual return to the playing field after suffering an Achilles tear in his New York Jets regular season debut. By the time he made his first public comments two days later, Rodgers was already saying he’d return stronger than ever.
That’s the type of confidence we’ve come to expect from the four-time NFL MVP, and it hasn’t wavered as the 40-year-old QB goes through an exhaustive rehab process.
On November 29th, the Jets opened Rodgers’ 21-day practice window, which, as you guessed, means he has 21 days to either return to action or sit out the rest of the season. Yet, a potential return hinges entirely on whether a playoff spot is still within reach for the Jets, who enter Week 15 at 5-8, two games behind the final AFC postseason slot.
For now, all Rodgers can do is focus on his rehab while hoping the rest of the Jets do their part too. Rodgers has been practicing, and coach Robert Saleh says Rodgers “Looks normal to me, it’s unbelievable.”
“It’s definitely impressive seeing him out there and the progress he’s made in such a short time. I mean, he’s special. The mindset, the way he goes about his treatment — all of a sudden, you find yourself back, ready to play here pretty soon. It’s crazy.”
New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson on Aaron Rodgers
With the Jets forced to decide whether they want to activate Rodgers to the active roster by Dec. 20, this weekend’s road matchup against the Miami Dolphins looms large.
Knowing that a potential return lurks around the corner, Rodgers “pushed it” in Thursday’s Jets practice. While he “looks normal”, the final decision on whether to return or now lies in the hands of Rodgers, as long as he can receive medical clearance from team doctors.
For now, the target date for Rodgers’s return is Dec. 24, against the Washington Commanders. Even though Rodgers knows he won’t be 100 percent until after the season is done, the desire to compete in the postseason keeps him motivated.
Related: See where Zach Wilson lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
