Aaron Rodgers Makes Swift Return to Jets Practice, Defying Odds 11 Weeks After Achilles Tendon Tear

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers’ improbable comeback from a torn Achilles tendon has taken the next step.

Aaron Rodgers returns to Jets practice just 11 weeks after tearing Achilles  tendon - CBS New York

The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for the quarterback on Wednesday — exactly 11 weeks after he had surgery — with Rodgers cleared for some football activities.

Coach Robert Saleh said the four-time NFL MVP, who turns 40 on Saturday, will be limited at practice and is not cleared for contact. Saleh said there’s no added risk in taking this step, emphasizing it’s not necessarily a signal that Rodgers will play again this season as much as it is the next part of the quarterback’s rehabilitation process.

“For Aaron, what he will be doing in practice is no different than what he’d be doing on the field, with regards to certain drills and individual (drills),” Saleh said. “Instead of throwing with staff members, he’s throwing with teammates.”

Video Jets QB Aaron Rodgers returns to practice 11 weeks after surgery -  ABC News

At the end of the 21-day period, the Jets will have to make a decision whether to activate him or he’ll spend the rest of this season on injured reserve.

“We’re not there yet,” Saleh said. “A lot of guys coming off (injured reserve) are usually not ready to play football. There’s usually still a little bit of a health concern there. So you use these 21-day windows to see where they’re at.

“We’re so far away from that. But the mindset for this is more of a progression in his rehab. He’s been cleared for functional football activity. He’s not cleared to fully play football.”

Aaron Rodgers Returns to Practice Field 11 Weeks After Achilles Surgery,  Eyeing Dec. 24 Comeback

Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11 and had surgery two days later. The operation included a “speed bridge” procedure, which helps expedite the healing process. Rodgers has been progressing quickly in his rehabilitation and is still aiming to make an unprecedented quick return to the field.

“I think it’s sooner than anybody (anticipated),” Saleh said. “I think it’s a credit to him. I know we’re getting caught up in trying to create a narrative around him, but the true narrative is he’s old-school in the sense he is driven. Is there motivation to be the first to ever do it? Sure, but that’s OK. That’s his ‘why’ — that’s why he’s (doing it). It’s a mentality that I think young guys should be able to grab.

“He loves this organization, he wants to be with his teammates, he wants to be here.”

But Rodgers acknowledged Tuesday during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that the factors in him returning to play this season are two-fold. The doctors must clear Rodgers — and the Jets must be in the AFC playoff hunt.

“It’s always been, first, am I healthy?” Rodgers said. “Then, are we alive? Are we in it? Are we playing good enough to make a run? Can I step in and protect myself and play at the level that I’m capable of playing? But it’s health first and are we alive for the playoffs, second.”

The Jets (4-7) have lost four in a row and host the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Tim Boyle will make his second start in a row at quarterback in place of the benched Zach Wilson, who took over when Rodgers went down.

Some fans, media and even medical professionals have wondered if Rodgers is perhaps rushing to come back too soon and risk re-injury. Running back Cam Akers, then with the Los Angeles Rams, set the benchmark for returns from a torn Achilles tendon during the 2021 season when he played just five months after being injured and helped the team during its run to the Super Bowl.

Rodgers could beat that by several weeks if he comes back this season.

“I promise Aaron is not going to do anything that puts himself in harm’s way if he’s not healthy to play,” Saleh said. “Aaron is very, very smart. That’s not something he’s going to put himself at risk for. With that said, though, he is driven. He is achieving things that have never been achieved with regards to this injury and it’s the progression with regard to rehab he’s on.

“And I think it’s remarkable what he is doing, but he is also smart in regards to how fast it’s going.”

Related Posts

Steelers and Chiefs Make Headlines by Boycotting ‘Pride Nights’ in Stance Against Woke Culture

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs have announced a joint decision to boycott “Pride Nights” hosted by…

Read more

Patrick Mahomes STRICTLY talks about Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift after Chiefs’ win over Chargers

Patrick Mahomes STRICTLY talks about Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift after Chiefs’ win over Chargers Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ impressive victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Patrick Mahomes took a moment to address the media—and …

Read more

Travis Kelce’s most disappointing game of the season is attributed to Taylor Swift’s absence.

The Chiefs tight end recorded just eight yards as Buffalo handed Kansas City a 30-21 defeat No Taylor, No Spark: Travis Kelce Fizzles as Bills Beat Chiefs(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)LAPRESSE It was billed as another marquee matchup, a clash of titans as the  Kansas …

Read more

49ers turning to Brandon Allen with Brock Purdy ruled out for critical Packers matchup

The 49ers are going to have to dip into their quarterback depth this weekend. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Friday that backup Brandon Allen will get the starting nod for San Francisco against the Packers. The move comes as starter Brock Purdy …

Read more

Jason Kelce plans to start next friendship bracelet trend with this ‘handmade’ Christmas gift for Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is “tough to shop for” — but Jason Kelce has the perfect Christmas gift in mind. The former Philadelphia Eagles player revealed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Thursday that his only option is to give the Grammy winner something “handmade.” Kelce, …

Read more

Jason and Kylie Kelce are welcoming another baby to the family

Team Kelce is getting a little bit bigger. Kylie Kelce and husband Jason are expecting baby No. 4 — a girl — in the coming months. Kylie broke the news on Instagram with a picture that featured daughters Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett wearing “big sister” …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *