When it comes to the potential return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season, the New York Jets are ready to place their bets. Coach Robert Saleh made it clear that if Rodgers receives medical clearance and expresses his desire to play, the team won’t stand in his way. Despite the risks associated with a ruptured Achilles injury and Rodgers’ age, Saleh believes that the final decision should rest with the four-time NFL MVP himself. While it may have seemed far-fetched initially, the possibility of Rodgers playing again this season is becoming more and more real for the Jets, as long as they remain in playoff contention.
The Jets find themselves at a critical juncture, losing two consecutive games and facing tough opponents like the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins in a span of six days. The pressure to salvage their season and make a playoff push is mounting. However, Saleh emphasizes that the pressure to keep the season afloat and reach the playoffs is not solely on Rodgers’ potential return. It is a collective responsibility shared by the entire team, driven by the desire to win football games. While Rodgers’ possible comeback adds an extra layer of optimism, the ultimate goal remains the same for everyone involved.
If Rodgers were to make a comeback, it would be an extraordinary feat. No NFL player has ever returned to play in less than five months after Achilles surgery. However, the case of former Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, who returned in just 5½ months in 2021, provides a glimmer of hope. Nonetheless, the decision to let Rodgers step back on the field ultimately rests on the assessments made by his personal medical team and the Jets’ medical staff. Both parties must agree that it is safe and advisable for Rodgers to resume playing. After all, no one knows Rodgers’ body better than Rodgers himself.
Rodgers underwent surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles immediately following his injury in the early stages of the season. Since then, he has been in Los Angeles, undergoing rehabilitation at a facility while occasionally traveling to join his team for games. His plan is to fully rejoin the team on a permanent basis starting next week. Saleh acknowledges the necessity for Rodgers to acclimate himself to the changes made within the offensive system and reconnect with his teammates. As a veteran presence on the youthful offensive side of the ball, Rodgers’ return would undoubtedly bring a sense of stability and experience.
If Rodgers is cleared to practice, he would enter a 21-day window for potential activation to the roster. This timeframe will determine whether he can make a substantial contribution to the team or if he will spend the remainder of the season on injured reserve. The Jets are desperately seeking an offensive spark, having struggled under the leadership of rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, with only eight touchdowns scored, the fewest in the league. As part of their efforts to revitalize the offense, the team plans to activate rookie running back Israel Abanikanda for the first time. This decision led to the surprising move of waiving veteran Michael Carter, as Saleh believed it would be unfair for him to continue sitting on the bench without the opportunity to prove himself.
The return of Aaron Rodgers carries both excitement and uncertainty for the New York Jets. While the potential boost to the team’s playoff hopes is enticing, there are still many unknowns. The physical demands of returning from an Achilles injury, coupled with Rodgers’ age, create a level of unpredictability surrounding his performance. However, the Jets have made it clear that they are willing to take that gamble and support Rodgers’ decision if he believes he is ready to play. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Rodgers and the Jets, waiting to see if this remarkable comeback story becomes a reality.
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