Aaron Rodgers might have taken on more than he bargained for regarding his return to action this season.
As the New York Jets slide out of playoff contention, Aaron Rodgers has acknowledged that the team’s current outlook may impact his plans to return from a torn Achilles this season.
During his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the quarterback emphasized that he is not yet healthy enough to make a decision about playing.
“We’re not where I can make a decision on playing,” Rodgers stated. “Health-wise, I’m improving steadily, but I’m not at an ability to play at this point.”
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Once he is physically capable of playing, Rodgers will factor in the Jets’ position in his decision-making process.
“Are we alive? Are we in it? Can I help the team—and not hurt the team—by being back out there? Can I protect myself and move around and do all the things I want to do? If the answer is yes, then we move in that direction,” Rodgers explained. “If the answer is no, I’ve got to listen to my body … It’s health first, and then, can I play, are we alive for the playoffs second.”
Despite expressing hope of playing this season during his recovery, Rodgers has now faced the reality that the Jets’ recent struggles may render those intentions irrelevant.
The Jets dropped to 4-7 after suffering their fourth consecutive loss. Only the New England Patriots are behind them in the AFC standings, with ESPN’s Football Power Index giving the Jets a 0.4 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Earlier this month, Rodgers had targeted a potential mid-December return, but with the Jets’ current record, he may need to accept that he won’t be ready in time to salvage their season.
If the Jets lose to the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, it would likely be unwise for Rodgers to play once they are officially out of playoff contention.
