Is Aaron Rodgers on track for a remarkable recovery from his Achilles injury?
Jets general manager Joe Douglas, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, expressed his anticipation of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ return to the team at some point in the ongoing season. However, when asked whether the four-time MVP would participate in any of the remaining games in the 2023 campaign, Douglas remained cautious.
“I am not putting anything out there like that [if Rodgers returns for a game],” Douglas said. “That’s not my place. I’m not a doctor. I don’t have any breaking news for you like that.”
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Rodgers endured a debilitating Achilles injury during the Jets’ season-opening triumph against the Bills, just as their first drive unfolded. Despite having undergone surgery less than seven weeks ago in Los Angeles, the Jets’ quarterback has made impressive strides in his rehabilitation.
Prior to the Jets’ 13-10 overtime victory against the Giants on Sunday, Rodgers was observed throwing on the field and exhibited considerable comfort in executing passes during drop-back situations.
“…To just see him be able to do some of the things he is doing, it is not surprising,” Douglas said. “I think we all know the competitive makeup that Aaron [Rodgers] has… He has goals and he’s gonna chase those goals. … It’s just good having him around when he is out there pregaming, when he is around the team.”
In September, the 39-year-old quarterback made his determination clear, asserting his intent to return to the field despite any skepticism surrounding his recovery process.
“Give me the timetables,” Rodgers said in an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show in September. “Give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need. Definitely some odds stacked against me based on age, but I like it.”
With the current season standing at 4-3 for the New York Jets, and a Monday Night Football matchup against the Chargers on the horizon, Rodgers could make an appearance later in the season if the team continues its above-.500 performance.
