The 2024 NFL regular season is here, and there are several new storylines. One that’s not necessarily new, but definitely one to keep your eye on, is the return of Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles last season after being traded to the New York Jets.
However, at 40 years old, Rodgers would be the oldest player to ever return from a torn Achilles. An orthopedic doctor gave his opinion on whether Rodgers can return to what he once was. What did he say?
Orthopedic Chair Gives Thoughts on Aaron Rodgers’ Return
According to Dr. Stephen Silver, the chief of sports medicine and orthopedics at Hackensack, he isn’t worried about the injury happening again. “I do not have any worries or issues about him returning to play quarterback this season,” said Silver.
Rodgers’ chances of tearing the same Achilles are about 2%, which is no greater than if it hadn’t been injured previously. “At this point, my worry is more, not only about Aaron Rodgers, but anyone who wants to play in the NFL at 40 years old, turning 41,” said Silver.
The most similar example to Rodgers’ situation was Vinny Testaverde, who ruptured his Achilles in 1999, just a couple of months before turning 36 years old. In his return, Testaverde attempted a league-high 590 passes, and while he said there were no ill effects from the injury, he did lead the NFL with 25 interceptions.
“In the back of my mind, until I was going full speed, I was always thinking, ‘Is this going to happen again?'” said Testaverde recently, recalling what it was like playing after the injury. “Once you go through some of the things, start running and make some of the cuts and some of the throws, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m back. Let’s get going.'”
In the end, though, Testaverde has the utmost faith in Rodgers’ return, believing he will be “as good as he’s ever been,” thanks to the supporting cast around him of skill players such as Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
In addition to his skill players, Rodgers should benefit from an improved offensive line. In addition to Alijah Vera-Tucker returning healthy, the team signed two new starters in Tyron Smith at left tackle and John Simpson at left guard.
Smith, a former top-10 pick in 2011, had spent his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, totaling eight Pro Bowls and five All-Pros.
It won’t be his Jets debut, after taking four snaps last season, but the team’s Monday Night Football showdown with the San Francisco 49ers is an opportunity for Rodgers to finish his first game for the team.