The New York Jets kept their slim playoff hopes alive, and Aaron Rodgers still has a chance to play again this season.
Yes, you heard that right. Aaron Rodgers still has not officially ditched the idea of playing for the New York Jets this season.
But when is he coming back? Well, that’s a bit complicated.
Aaron Rodgers suffered a devastating Achilles injury just four plays into his 19th season in September 2023. He wants to make a comeback this season but has stated that it will ultimately depend on his health and the Jets’ playoff contention status. He can return for the game against the Miami Dolphins or the Commanders if he gets medically cleared.
Will Aaron Rodgers Come Back This NFL Season?
Aaron Rodgers, the renowned NFL quarterback, suffered a devastating Achilles injury just four plays into his 19th season in September.ย
However, the remarkable news is that his recovery is progressing well, with the possibility of a return to the field as early as the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins or the Commanders.
Rodgers, a Super Bowl champion in 2011, watched from the sidelines as his team faced the Houston Texans in Week 14. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this NFL legend can make a comeback within the same season.
When questioned about Rodgers’ potential return, Jets coach Robert Saleh remained cautious, stating:
“He is in rehab, so I really don’t have an answer for you on that one. Like I said before, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ return is heightened by his own statement on Pat McAfee’s ESPN radio show (via The Guardian). He outlined that two factors would guide his decision to return in 2023: his health and the Jets’ playoff contention status.
Rodgers’ return, though unlikely, isn’t entirely ruled out.
Regardless of the timing, he is diligently working to regain his full fitness. In his absence, the Jets have faced challenges with quarterback Zach Wilson struggling to provide an adequate replacement this season.
After a two-week benching, Wilson returned to the starting lineup for the game against the Texans, displaying one of his best performances in a Jets uniform during the match’s second half.
Rodgers signed a three-year, $112.5 million contract with the Jets and was not acquired for a mere retirement tour.ย
His absence due to injury has profoundly impacted the Jets’ plans for the 2023 season. As a result, Nathaniel Hackett and Robert Saleh, the unpopular offensive coordinator, are expected to return in 2024, essentially getting a mulligan for the disrupted 2023 campaign.
It would be nothing short of astonishing if Rodgers were to return this season, as NFL players typically require between nine and twelve months to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.ย
Despite the uncertainty, CJ Mosley, a veteran Jets linebacker and friend of Rodgers, expressed his happiness at seeing Rodgers healthy and in high spirits. He said (via The Guardian):
“As a friend and as a teammate, I’m just happy to see him healthy, see him smile and see him having a pep in his step, which is crazy. But when it comes to the football stuff, you know, that’s God’s will, and if that’s the way it’s going to work out, then I’ll definitely be happy with it.”
In conclusion, while the possibility of Aaron Rodgers making a remarkable return in the same season following a severe Achilles injury remains uncertain, his resilience and determination to recover are undeniable.
The Jets and their fans eagerly await updates on his progress, hoping for a triumphant comeback.
Can the legend Aaron Rodgers make a comeback this soon? Or is it just wishful thinking by fans?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Guardian
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