Aaron Rodgers Set to Resume Practice, Uncertainty Looms Over Possible Return to Game This Season
Aaron Rodgers, the 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback, is set to make a remarkable comeback after surgery for his torn left Achilles tendon Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Rodgers' return to practice, leaving fans hopeful that he may even be able to play in a game again this season
Just 11 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been cleared to return to practice, according to head coach Robert Saleh. In September, Saleh had initially announced that the 40-year-old quarterback would be out for the year after sustaining the injury during the team's season-opener against the Buffalo Bills.
"This isnt so much getting ready to play as much as it is a progression in his rehab," Saleh said Wednesday.
On October 15, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets watches before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers aims to make a comeback to the field this season.
Saleh mentioned that Rodgers may engage in restricted practices, such as throwing to teammates, but without any physical contact. "Aaron will not take any actions that could jeopardize his safety."
Rodgers spoke on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday and shared that he is still not in a healthy enough condition to determine if he could return to play this season. "I'm getting better, but I'm not at the level of ability to play at this time," Rodgers stated.
Rodgers, who celebrates his 40th birthday on Saturday, is seen as making a remarkable and speedy recovery from his injury.
The quarterback, with 19 years of experience, mentioned the possibility of returning in December if the team is still in contention for the playoffs. The NFL.com reports that the Jets have a 21-day period to assess Rodgers during practice while he is on the injured reserve list.
"Once I am healthy, that's the position we're in. Are we ready, are we committed? Can I contribute to the team without causing harm? Can I ensure my own safety? Can I still move as I need to?" If the answer is yes, then we go in that direction. "If the answer is no, then I have to listen to my body."
Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday
The 4-7 Jets have six games left in the regular season.
Jalen Hurts, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, celebrates scoring the winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in overtime during their NFL football game on Sunday, November 26, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Photo by Matt Slocum/AP)
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If given the green light to play, the Super Bowl XLV champion could make their comeback against the Washington Commanders on December 24, which happens to be the Jets' third-to-last game of the season.
Having spent 18 seasons of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was traded in the offseason.
Rodgers led the Packets to a Super Bowl XLV win in February 2011 and won MVP awards in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021, while setting numerous accuracy records over his future shoe-in Hall of Fame career.
