New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced today that the team will be opening the 21-day practice window for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Coach Saleh, addressing the media on Wednesday, shed light on the cautious approach the team will adopt during Rodgers’ return to practice.
The quarterback, who suffered an Achilles tear on the third offensive play of the season, will be under limited participation, minimizing the risk of re-injury.
Saleh emphasized that while Rodgers is cleared for functional activity, contact drills will be off the table.
“This isn’t about getting ready to play as much as it is a progression in his rehab,” Saleh explained.
He clarified that Rodgers’ practice regimen won’t differ significantly from what observers have seen on Field Three during regular sessions.
The quarterback will engage in specific drills and individual activities, with a focus on throwing, albeit without the added risk of contact.
Saleh, seemingly aware of the curiosity surrounding the decision, touched on the intricacies of injured reserve (IR) designations without delving into specific details.
However, he assured the media that Rodgers’ involvement in practice aligns with the medical clearance granted.
Coach Saleh says that QB Aaron Rodgers' 21-day practice window will open today pic.twitter.com/kZSW9HFC9k
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 29, 2023
Here’s the latest clip of Aaron Rodgers reporting to the Jets practice field just 77 days after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles.
WATCH:
It's only been 76 days since Aaron Rodgers had his surgery on his Achilles tear
Superhuman
That's my QB#Jets pic.twitter.com/e4BI3ZdoWO
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) November 29, 2023
The potential return of Aaron Rodgers injects a sense of anticipation into the Jets.
However, the team, with a current record of 4-7, is facing a challenging situation as they grapple with a four-game losing streak.
This unfortunate streak has significantly diminished their playoff prospects, with ESPN Analytics estimating their chances at less than 1%.
Aaron Rodgers, the former starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, was traded to the New York Jets in 2023.
Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Jets’ fourth offensive play of the season after throwing just one pass.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, an orthopedic surgeon from Los Angeles, performed surgery on Rodgers two days after the injury on September 11, 2023.
The surgery utilized a “speed bridge” procedure, incorporating an internal brace to expedite the healing process.
Aaron Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005.
Throughout his NFL journey, he achieved 10 Pro Bowl appearances, 4 First-Team All-Pro selections, and 1 Second-Team All-Pro selection.
Rodgers was honored with the NFL Most Valuable Player award three times and notably led the Packers to a franchise-best 13–0 start in a season.
His impressive single-season statistics include 45 touchdowns and 4,643 passing yards.
Over his career, Rodgers amassed a notable win-loss record of 151-79-1.
Before his NFL career, he played college football at the University of California at Berkeley, setting numerous career passing records.
