The New York Jets’ beat reporters had their first chance to speak to Aaron Rodgers since his injury
Aaron Rodgers is back in Florham Park. On Thursday, he spoke to reporters for the first time since his injury on September 11.
The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback said he fully understands the risks of returning to the field this season. According to The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt, Rodgers said, “My thing is: What’s the worst that can happen?”
Aaron Rodgers said he understands the risks of coming back.
“My thing is: What’s the worst that can happen?”
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
The quarterback added, “In my opinion, there’s not a downside to coming back and reinjuring it” due to the fact that he could have a slower recovery and still be ready for the 2024 season. He mentioned that “anything is possible” in terms of when he could come back, signaling that he could return before the Christmas Eve game against the Commanders.
Aaron Rodgers on the idea of coming back to play in a #Jets game before the Washington game in Week 16 (which has been his goal): "Anything is possible."
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
On this, Aaron Rodgers said that "in my opinion there’s not a downside to coming back and reinjuring it" because he'd have enough time to rehab it and return again in 5-6 months anyway. https://t.co/yFvD3Efm37
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
At the same time, though, Rodgers also said, “I don’t think that would make a ton of sense” regarding whether he would return with the Jets firmly out of playoff contention. Rodgers mentioned that he would not be 100 percent healthy if he returned at all this season and that it comes down to the quarterback being able to “protect himself.”
Aaron Rodgers on the idea that he’d still return if the #Jets are out of playoff contention: “I don’t think that would make a ton of sense.”
Said that if he comes back in general he would be less than 100% and it wouldn’t make sense to do it if they’re out of it.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
Aaron Rodgers said he will not be 100 percent healthy returning inside four months. It’s about protecting himself. If he feels he can do that then he will play — assuming the #Jets are mathematically alive.
Listening to Rodgers speak, it sounded very much like the #Commanders… pic.twitter.com/MkR0b0yvGU
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 30, 2023
When asked about his return being contingent on the Jets retaining head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, the quarterback did not comment and stated that saying one way or another would be him meddling.
Rodgers then said that he believes the Jets have a “recipe in place to be successful.”
Rodgers acknowledged the worst case scenario is a re-injury to his Achilles. He said that would not change his desire to play in 2024.
Rodgers did not comment on whether his desire to play in 2024 is tied to Robert Saleh, Nathaniel Hackett & Joe Douglas returning —… pic.twitter.com/C8ACoRAHbl
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 30, 2023
The quarterback also spoke about the team’s offensive line and if he had any hesitancy to return despite the injuries to the unit.
“Not really. The quarterback’s job is to make sure everybody gets on the same page, get the ball out (quickly). There’s been some up and down play with the line at times for sure, but you gotta make the system work for you.”
Aaron Rodgers on if he'd have any hesitance coming back with the state of the #Jets O-Line: "Not really. The quarterback's job is to make sure everybody gets on the same page, get the ball out (quickly). There’s been some up and down play with the line at times for sure but you…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 30, 2023
Looking at the totality of Rodgers’s comments, the quarterback seems to be balancing his potential return with the reality of the Jets’ playoff hopes.
The quarterback is evidently confident in his ability to play and is not scared about reinjuring himself, yet he does not want to play in a situation where the Jets have nothing to gain.
Furthermore, Rodgers reiterated that he is locked into playing in 2024. It adds to the idea that while Rodgers would love to return this season, he will not risk the window for the Jets next season.
Unless the Jets take a complete 180, it seems likely that Rodgers will not take the field again until 2024. It is the best move for a franchise that is not doing much this season and has the potential to break their playoff drought with a healthy Rodgers.
Even with his return to game action unlikely, the fact that Rodgers is even at practice less than three months after his injury is remarkable.
The quarterback’s dedication to the Jets has been evident, and even if he does not return in 2023, he is laying the groundwork to take command as the offense’s leader in 2024.
