FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The anticipation surrounding New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ potential return to the field continues to build, with Rodgers emphasizing that the team’s playoff position will weigh heavily on his decision.
The Jets, currently on a four-game losing streak, have seen their playoff chances dwindle to less than 1%, according to ESPN Analytics. Rodgers addressed the situation during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I think it’s always been first, am I healthy?” Rodgers stated. “Then, are we in it? Are we playing good enough to make a run? Can I step in and protect myself and play the level that I feel like I’m capable of playing? Can I protect myself? Can I move around the way I want to move around?”
Having undergone Achilles surgery on September 13, Rodgers had previously hinted that the Jets’ competitiveness would factor into his decision. However, there had been recent speculation that he might return regardless of the team’s record.
On Tuesday, Rodgers appeared to put that speculation to rest, emphasizing that the stakes and playoff potential will play a pivotal role in his decision. In the AFC standings, the Jets currently occupy the 15th spot out of 16 teams, just ahead of the New England Patriots (2-9).
Rodgers’ decision is expected to hinge on the outcomes of the next two games, both of which are at home, facing the Atlanta Falcons (5-6) and the Houston Texans (6-5).
Rodgers, who is approaching his 40th birthday, mentioned that he is nearing a return to practice. He stated, “There’s a natural progression here to the rehab, and that’s going to involve actually getting back onto the field to start to do some things that are more football related.” However, he clarified that he isn’t yet in a position to decide on playing from a health standpoint.
Once the Jets open his practice window, they will have 21 days to determine whether to activate him from injured reserve. Rodgers is reportedly targeting the December 24 game against the Washington Commanders for his potential return.
Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh has expressed that the organization will not impede Rodgers if he receives clearance from doctors. The team’s medical staff has been in contact with Rodgers’ Los Angeles-based doctor, Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery.
Rodgers has been making significant progress, running on an Alter G treadmill at 70% of his body weight at 8 mph. His recovery from Achilles surgery is ahead of the typical timeline. The NFL’s quickest return from a similar injury was by running back Cam Akers, who came back in five months for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Medical experts suggest that it takes at least three months for the tendon to heal, followed by strength-building rehabilitation. Rodgers is only 11 weeks removed from surgery.
Rodgers summed up his approach, saying, “Obviously, I still have to get cleared by everybody … but it’s health first and then, can I play? Are we alive for the playoffs, second?”
Following his rehabilitation in California, Rodgers has returned to the Jets’ facility on a full-time basis this week, continuing his program under the guidance of the Jets’ training staff, with ElAttrache’s team monitoring his progress from Los Angeles.
Teammates have expressed their enthusiasm for his potential return. Guard Laken Tomlinson noted, “For me, coming in after the game we had, seeing him and how hard he’s been working, that’s motivation for me.” Linebacker C.J. Mosley added, “As a friend, as a teammate, I’m just happy to see him healthy, to see him smiling, see him having a pep in his step, which is crazy.”