Aaron Rodgers looks thrilled to be back at practice with the New York Jets

On Wednesday afternoon, the New York Jets officially announced they have opened the 21-day practice window for Aaron Rodgers. This means Rodgers can begin practicing with the team and must be activated to the 53-man roster from injured reserve within the next three weeks. If not, Rodgers will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Rodgers is cleared for football activities, but not for contact. Seen back in Florham Park donning his red non-contact No. 8 jersey, Rodgers appeared to be in great spirits, and his teammates seemed thrilled to have him back. Rodgers embraced left tackle Mekhi Becton.

Rodgers could also be seen throwing passes off to the side, even taking dropbacks before stepping into his passes.

Rodgers tore his Achilles 79 days ago, bringing silence and shock upon a previously raucous MetLife Stadium with the entire nation watching. When reporters broke the news of his injury after the game, they all immediately assumed he was out for the season.

Less than three months later, Rodgers is back on the practice field. It’s nothing short of mind-boggling.

Time will tell if Rodgers actually suits up for the Jets this season. Despite previous reports that claimed he plans to return regardless of the Jets’ playoff chances, Rodgers seemed to indicate during his most recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that the Jets’ playoff chances will definitely impact his plans.

It’s been reported that Rodgers is aiming to return for the Jets’ December 24 home game against the Washington Commanders. His 21-day practice window coincides perfectly with that week.

Up until that point, the 4-7 Jets will play two home games against the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans before taking a road trip to face the Miami Dolphins. In all likelihood, the Jets will have to sweep the three-game set to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs when the Commanders game arrives.

After months of speculation, a Rodgers return suddenly feels very real. Now it’s on the Jets to give him a reason to push forward.