Big news out of New York today, and it doesn’t involve another lawsuit against a certain former President.
The most talked-about torn Achilles this side of Kirk Cousins – that one belonging to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers – has healed up enough after surgery that Rodgers has been cleared for non-contact practice. And he did so on Wednesday.
It’s very important to note that term “non-contact.”
Rodgers is not a day or two from returning to action.
This report from ESPN (Jets’ Aaron Rodgers practices just 11 weeks after surgery) notes that members of the media weren’t allowed in the practice session, but that coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers had no added risk practicing this way.
Rodgers’ birthday is Dec. 2 – that’s this Saturday, and he’ll be 40. Word is that Rodgers’ target to come back is Dec. 24, when they host the Washington Commanders.
Rodgers had told Pat McAfee, then mentioned it again on Tuesday, that his health and how the team is performing will be factors in his return. Welp, that’s a problem on one regard, because the Jets have lost four straight games and are 4-7. They’ve got six games left. Between now and Dec. 24, they host the Atlanta Falcons (this Sunday), the Houston Texans (Dec. 10) visit the Miami Dolphins (Dec. 17).
The four-time NFL most valuable player, all with the Green Bay Packers, was traded to the Jets this past offseason, and injured on the fourth play of the season.
Saleh said Rodgers’ drive is something to see.
“I think he’s sacrificed so much already for the organization and himself and his teammates, and he’s doing it again,” the coach said. “I think it is a testament to who he is as a human. Obviously, there’s a little bit of that drive where he wants to prove that it could be done faster than anyone has ever done it before. That’s just part of his mental makeup. I think he still runs with a chip on his shoulder.”
