Getty Image
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to practice this week, just three months after allegedly injuring his achilles against the Buffalo Bills on September 11.
While the soon-to-be 40-year-old QB previously said he was targeting a December 24 return against the Washington Commanders, he now says that it will depend on whether or not Gang Green is still in playoff contention.
Regardless of whether or not the Jets are competitive in a couple of weeks, there will be a significant risk of Rodgers reinjuring himself given the severity of his apparent injury (some people don’t believe he actually tore his achilles given how quickly he’s returned) and the porousness of the Jets offensive line.
Apparently, however, Rodgers claims he does not care if he gets hurt again, because he would have the offseason to rehab again, anyway.
“My thing is: what’s the worst that can happen?” Rodgers said to the media on Thursday. “In my opinion, there’s not a downside to coming back and reinjuring it.”
On this, Aaron Rodgers said that "in my opinion there’s not a downside to coming back and reinjuring it" because he'd have enough time to rehab it and return again in 5-6 months anyway. https://t.co/yFvD3Efm37
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
Speaking to reporters about Rodgers’ return to practice, Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised the four-time MVP, saying it’s a testament to the type of person he is. He also, however, acknowledged that Rodgers is partially fueled by selfish reasons.
“Is there motivation to be the first to ever do it? Sure. That’s okay. That’s his why,” Saleh said. “I think it’s a testament to who he is as a human. Obviously, there’s a little bit of that drive that he wants to prove it can be done faster than anyone’s ever done it before. That’s okay, that’s just part of his mental makeup.”
If the Jets are going to remain in the hunt long enough to warrant Rodgers’ return, they almost certainly have to beat the Atlanta Falcons at home on Sunday to improve their record to 5-7.
That’ll certainly be an uphill battle, however, as the team is sticking with Tim Boyle as their starting quarterback, who is arguably the only signal caller in the league that’s worse than Zach Wilson.
In addition to the Falcons, the Jets have games against the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots remaining on its schedule.