New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has taken an incredible step forward, as he received clearance on Wednesday to resume practicing. This news comes just 11 weeks after his surgery to repair a torn Achilles. While this progress is undoubtedly remarkable, it does not mean Rodgers is ready for contact just yet. As the Jets have 21 days to decide whether to activate Rodgers from injured reserve, all eyes are on December 20th, when this period expires – just four days before their game against the Washington Commanders, which Rodgers is targeting for his much-anticipated return.
Although Rodgers has been cleared for functional football activity, the ultimate hurdle still remains – getting the green light for contact after such a quick recovery from Achilles surgery. Until then, the Jets will likely continue to limit his participation to light drills during practice. Head Coach Robert Saleh has refrained from disclosing whether Rodgers will be activated after the 21-day evaluation period.
In a recent interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers revealed that his decision to return will depend on two crucial factors: his own health and the team’s position in the playoff race. With the Jets currently standing at 4-7 and on a four-game losing streak, the odds of making it to the postseason may seem insurmountable. Rodgers expressed his desire for the team to be “alive,” but he left the definition open-ended. Saleh echoed this sentiment, stating that Rodgers will play if he wishes to, as long as he has been cleared by doctors.
Rodgers sustained his season-ending injury on the fourth play of the Jets’ first game. Subsequently, Zach Wilson took over as the starting quarterback for the following nine games before being replaced by Tim Boyle, a journeyman. Boyle will make his second start against the Atlanta Falcons this coming Sunday.
From the very beginning, Rodgers planned to defy the odds and make an astonishing return. No NFL player has ever recovered from Achilles surgery in less than five months, making his potential comeback all the more extraordinary. Should Rodgers make his anticipated return on December 20th, it will mark one of the quickest recoveries from this type of surgery in NFL history.
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