MIRACLE: Aaron Rodgers RETURNS To Practice In Record Time Following Achilles Injury … Will He Save The Jets??

By
Casey Kaye
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(Credit: Getty Images / celebcandle.com)

He’s a (major) step closer to actually doing it…

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has actually returned to practice, 11 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles.

The four-time MVP’s comeback is progressing at an unprecedented pace, sparking speculation about a potential early return to the field.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh provided insight into Rodgers’ status, stating: “Aaron has been cleared for functional football activity but not contact. This is a progression in his rehab. It’s too soon to determine if he’ll play again this season.”

By league rule, the Jets have 21 days to decide whether to activate Rodgers from injured reserve, with the deadline set for December 20.

This decision looms just four days before the Jets face the Washington Commanders, a game Rodgers is reportedly targeting for his comeback.

On a brisk 36-degree afternoon, Rodgers, donning a red quarterback jersey, engaged in a series of quarterback drills during the open portion of practice.

The session involved light work, including drop-backs, passes to receivers without defenders, and light jogging.

Notably, Rodgers assumed the role of the fourth quarterback in a four-man rotation, with no participation in 11-on-11 drills.

Saleh downplayed the risk, stating: “There’s no added risk. He’s cleared by our medical team and monitored by surgeon Neal ElAttrache. Aaron has a detailed regimen intensifying each week, leading to the decision on his activation.”

Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, would be making an unprecedented return from Achilles surgery, a feat no NFL player has accomplished before the five-month mark.

Despite his remarkable recovery, Saleh emphasized that the decision to play remains uncertain.

In a recent interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers outlined his criteria for a return: his health and the team’s playoff standing.

The Jets, currently at 4-7 and on a four-game losing streak, face an uphill battle for a postseason berth (to say the least).

https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/1729997910756958527

Saleh acknowledged Rodgers’ motivation, stating: “He wants to prove it can be done faster than anyone before. That’s part of his mental makeup. He runs with a chip on his shoulder.”

Teammates expressed admiration for Rodgers’ swift recovery.

Linebacker C.J. Mosley acknowledged the inherent risk of reinjury but added: “There’s a chance we could witness something that has never been done before.”

Defensive end John Franklin-Myers found inspiration in Rodgers’ presence on the practice field, stating: “It’s definitely motivating for the team.”

“Give me your doubts, give me your prognostications and then watch what I do,” Rodgers told Pat McAfee two days after his surgery.

Now, whether he actually plays in game the rest of the year remains to be seen … Many people feel it would be stupid and reckless to even try, especially considering the fact that the Jets realistically aren’t going anywhere this season – They’ve dug themselves too big of a hole.

Also, as impressive as it was, it wasn’t like Rodgers was going full-throttle at practice.

Regardless, what he’s doing and his overall attitude throughout the entire process has been extremely admirable. 

What are your thoughts?

Do you think we’ll see him on the field again this season?

(Can you imagine if the “worst case scenario” ends up happening … You know we’re all thinking it!)

 

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