New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers described the next goals in his Achilles rehab
Aaron Rodgers is slowly but surely working his way back for the New York Jets.
Appearing on the “Pat McAfee Show” for his weekly segment, the Jets quarterback spoke about his current stage of recovery, among other things regarding the Jets.
When jokingly asked if he would be back for the Jets’ next game, Rodgers said that his “first goal” was to return to the team and be on the field pre-game for the October 1 matchup against Kansas City, and that his “next goal was to be able to throw on the field on the 15th.”
“It’s really just for me, to be able to feel more normal, be back around the guys was incredible. To be able to be on the field, to be able to be on the sideline, to be on the headset, it made me feel like I wasn’t so separated from the team,” said Rodgers.
“I’m really thankful for that. That was a special moment for me to be able to feel a little bit more normal; the five weeks have been really tough- not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.”
“I will definitely be at the next #Jets game as well. The first goal was to be able to get back on the field for the October 1st game, & then the next goal was to be able to throw on the field on the 15th. Just to be back around the guys was incredible. To be on the field without… pic.twitter.com/t5wRrvyfSF
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 17, 2023
Rodgers also spoke about why he has been able to progress so fast, mentioning how he believes in the “power of intention” and how he asked Dr. Neal ElAttrache to try to push beyond normal protocols.
“I just wanted to do things quicker and smart. The most important thing is not stressing the Achilles. Stretch, OK; stress, not OK. So it’s just about being smart with the rehab and pushing it as much as I can and backing off on the days it doesn’t feel great.”
"Dr. Neal ElAttrache did a newer innovative surgery and I asked him if we could push it beyond the normal protocols..
The most important thing is you just don't wanna stretch the Achilles and it's about being smart with the rehab"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/qTJDLgxy7Y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 17, 2023
When asked about the upcoming steps in his process, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback stated that he is “ahead of schedule” but that he does not want to put a timetable on his recovery process.
“There are markers. You saw me walk without crutches and throw on the field. Another marker is going to be jogging; another marker is going to be going through a pregame workout and getting on the practice field,” said Rodgers.
“All these are going to take time, it’s not just going to be boom, boom, boom. There’s critical markers I need to hit as far as leg strength, and single leg heel raises, and explosive movements.”
"We're way ahead of schedule and there's critical markers that I need to hit..
The goal is to get back on the football field but I'm not gonna put a specific timetable on it"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/AGloIWIEnY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 17, 2023
Outside of injury updates, Rodgers spoke about helping out the team during Sunday’s win over the Eagles. The quarterback said he “likes helping out” and maybe “helped calm some people’s nerves” during the game. He also commented on Robert Saleh and how he is doing as the Jets’ head coach.
“I love Robert. Robert has been great from Day 1 when I came in there. I love the way he leads; he’s an alpha. He cares about the guys a lot; he sets the vision every week. He doesn’t change. The standards and accountability don’t change… The standard is the standard.”
"I was on the headset every game in the preseason and I think the coaches appreciated it..
I don't think I had a major impact on the game on Sunday but it felt great to be a part of it"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rLrpOwYVU7
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 17, 2023
The more progress Rodgers makes, the better the Jets seem to play. It is easy to tell how much of an impact the quarterback is having off the field, giving the players and coaches a sense of hope.
Rodgers may not be ready to return just yet, but he remains a vital part of the Jets’ organization. And if the Jets can continue to play at their current level, an improbable return from Rodgers could turn the season into a memorable one.
