Aaron Rodgers has made his first official step toward returning to the New York Jets
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to make his return to the practice field for the New York Jets. While speaking to reporters, head coach Robert Saleh announced the team is opening up Rodgers’ 21-day practice window.
Coach Saleh says that QB Aaron Rodgers' 21-day practice window will open today pic.twitter.com/kZSW9HFC9k
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 29, 2023
The fact that Rodgers is cleared to start football activities only 79 days after tearing his Achilles needs to be appreciated. It’s unheard of, especially for a nearly 40-year-old quarterback, and is a testament to his drive and commitment to the Jets. Few believed Rodgers would play in the NFL again, let alone this season.
But Rodgers seems set to keep his promise to “rise again” (as he wrote in an Instagram post in September) as he’s currently targeting a December 24 return against the Washington Commanders. With the Jets sitting at 4-7, it remains to be seen if the Hall of Fame quarterback will actually play this season.
Rodgers will have three weeks to return to practice or he will officially be out for the season. This lines up with the Week 16 return goal.
Just so I don't have to answer this a million times today, when a player is cleared to practice, it activates a 21-day window during which the player must be added to the 53-man roster or be placed on season-ending injured reserve at the conclusion of that three-week period.
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) November 29, 2023
As Rodgers stated yesterday, he will only return to the field if the team is still in the playoff hunt. Those dreams are nearly dead as the Jets have lost four straight, being outscored 109 to 37 in the process. Most likely, the Jets will need to win each of their next three games to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs when Week 16 rolls around.
There is some hope, as the Jets are expecting to get several players back from injuries this week, including some on the offensive line. With a potential Rodgers return only a few weeks away, can the Jets keep their playoff hopes alive?
