Getty Image
Since the first time we heard him speak following his Week 1 Achilles tear against the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been clear about his intent to return this season.
Thus, the only question that has remained is not “if” Rodgers returns, but “when.”
Late last month, for example, we brought you the news that retired offensive lineman Taylor Lewan said he was shooting for a December return, which would be just three months, give or take a few weeks, after his injury.
Now, some NFL fans think that a photo of his new Zenith watch that he posted on Instagram may hold a clue about when the 39-year-old will be suiting up again.
In a recent Instagram Story, Rodgers posted a photo with the Zenith watch with the caption “A little more time.”
Aaron Rodgers IG post. Zenith is the watch company he works with. “A little more time…” 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/59YM4HLHMA
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 3, 2023
Not only that but as one galaxy-brained fan pointed out on Twitter, “the time on the watch is 10:08 — 9/11 [the date Rodgers got hurt] + 108 days is 12/28 and the date is the 28th.”
On December 28, the Jets will be on the road taking on the Cleveland Browns, who currently boast one of the best defenses in the National Football League.
If Rodgers did return for the Jets’ December 28 trip to Cleveland, it would be just 109 days after his Achilles injury, which is just about a week more than three months.
Considering that Achilles injuries usually take 6-12 months to recover from, it would not only be incredible but also quite risky for the almost 40-year-old signal caller.
Cam Akers, for example, is another previous example of returning from an Achilles injury, as he came back in just 5.5 months. This weekend against the Falcons, however, Akers appeared to suffer yet another Achilles tear.
If Rodgers is going to return this season, he’s going to need a team worth returning to, which the Jets are on the borderline of being at 4-3. With games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins coming over the course of the next month, Gang Green has a real opportunity to solidify themselves in both the divisional and Wild Card race.