New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been out since Week 1 after suffering an Achilles tear on the fourth play of his season. It was presumed that he would miss the entire season, but his recovery — cataloged through social media updates — has left the door open for a return.
Fans have been anxiously awaiting updates on a potential return, and Rodgers appears to be progressing rapidly.
When Will Aaron Rodgers Return?
Rodgers was seen taking three-step dropbacks before Monday Night Football, where the Jets will take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
#Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is taking three-step dropbacks prior to #MNF 👀 pic.twitter.com/v4PpVLpowm
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 7, 2023
Before the Jets’ matchup against the New York Giants last Sunday, Rodgers was seen throwing passes during warmups and dropping back to put some weight on his injured left leg. Now performing three-step drops, Rodgers appears to be making a recovery quicker than experts projected.
During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” last Tuesday, Rodgers said that he hasn’t started jogging yet, but he’s able to walk without discomfort.
The Jets posted a video on social media ahead of MNF showing Rodgers walking into MetLife Stadium for Monday’s game without a pronounced limp.
Rodgers had surgery two days after the injury and reportedly had a “speed bridge” procedure that is designed to speed up the rehab process. So far, it looks like the procedure has worked well.
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A return from an Achilles injury usually takes 8-12 months, and the fastest recovery the NFL has seen is running back Cam Akers, who had surgery and came back in fewer than six months. Rodgers would have to recover in less than four months if he were to return this season.
Additionally, Rodgers recently made a post on his Instagram story that could hint at a comeback. The quarterback reposted a photo of a green watch from the company he works with, Zenith, with the words, “A little more time …”
Jets general manager Joe Douglas officially weighed in on Rodgers’ status last week, telling reporters he is “expecting” the quarterback to return from the injury he suffered in Week 1.
He later clarified his statement, saying he expects Rodgers to be around the team, not necessarily returning to the field.
While the timeline of Rodgers’ return is still unknown, the footage we have seen of him is awfully surprising and definitely could have hopeful fans believing that a comeback is more than possible.
But following the conclusion of the Chargers’ 27-6 win over Rodgers’ Jets, parts of this conversation between Chargers All-Pro Derwin James and the past Super Bowl winner was overheard.
James asked when Rodgers was coming back. The QB’s response?
“Give me a few weeks.”
“Give me a few weeks.”
This convo between Aaron Rodgers and Derwin James 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zh4fasl9yr
— ESPN (@espn) November 7, 2023
That rhetoric points to the Jets welcoming back Rodgers before the regular season ends.
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