Aaron Rodgers is making waves with his pre-game displays of skill, throwing deep passes on three-step drop-backs just two months after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles. The rehabbing Jets quarterback grabbed attention for his antics both before and after New York’s Week 9 loss to the Chargers. In a noteworthy moment, he teased a potential return to action, saying, “Give me a few weeks.”
Despite the hype, it’s important to note that Rodgers did not play in Monday’s game; he’s still on injured reserve as he continues his recovery from an ailment that typically demands a nine to twelve-month rehab period. Nonetheless, Chargers safety Derwin James seized the opportunity to ask Rodgers a pointed question following the game, inquiring, “When are you coming back, man?” Rodgers, in what appears to be a candid response, replied, “Give me a few weeks.”
Derwin James asked Aaron Rodgers when he’s coming back….
Rodgers says: “Give me a few weeks”
Oh boy…
pic.twitter.com/MR8VFcashh— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) November 7, 2023
While Rodgers had been throwing passes before games, Monday’s display was significant because it demonstrated his willingness to use his legs while throwing deep, a milestone since his Achilles injury in Week 1. He has consistently mentioned that he’s ahead of the usual rehab schedule and has kept the possibility of returning during the 2023 season open. However, he recently acknowledged experiencing “smaller gains” in his recovery.
In October, CBS Sports HQ injury expert Marty Jaramillo noted that Rodgers is “absolutely” progressing towards an unprecedented return this year, based on his visual progress without crutches. Jaramillo estimated that Rodgers, who underwent a relatively new procedure to expedite Achilles repair, could potentially be fully prepared to play within 12-14 weeks after surgery. This would place his potential return as early as Week 15, when the Jets face the Dolphins on December 17.
Rodgers has been methodical and cautious in his approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of not overexerting his Achilles but rather stretching it in a way that accelerates his rehabilitation beyond the standard timeline for this type of injury.
