As the 21-day practice window nears its conclusion, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to impress coaches and teammates with his recovery from Achilles surgery. On Friday, Rodgers, who has been participating in rehab twice a week, took on a fill-in role on the scout-team defense, making a remarkable leaping interception as a linebacker, leaving many teammates in awe.
Coach Robert Saleh expressed his amazement, saying, “He looks normal to me. It’s unbelievable.” The Jets have until Wednesday to decide whether to activate Rodgers or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Although a return this season seems unlikely, given his recent surgery, the team has not ruled out any possibilities.
Rodgers, 40, has been diligently following his rehab program, practicing twice a week. During the recent sessions, he pushed himself, taking snaps from under center, running bootlegs, and participating in quarterback drills and a 7-on-7 period. However, he has yet to be cleared for 11-on-11, which marks the next crucial step in his recovery.
Saleh commended Rodgers’ dedication, saying, “It’s a credit to him, especially in this day and age where a hangnail can affect a game week. But this dude is grinding to try to get himself back. It just shows how much he cares, and I have an appreciation for him.”
The final decision on Rodgers’ return will be left to him, pending clearance from the Jets’ doctors and his personal physician, Neal ElAttrache. Both medical teams have been in communication throughout the rehabilitation process.
Rodgers has been eyeing a potential return on December 24 in a home game against the Washington Commanders. While he acknowledges he won’t be at 100% until after the season, he expressed willingness to play if the Jets remain in playoff contention. However, with the team standing at 5-8 and a slim 0.2% chance of making the playoffs, Rodgers has indicated it might not make sense to return if the Jets are mathematically eliminated.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson praised Rodgers’ progress, emphasizing his impressive mindset and approach to treatment. Despite uncertainty about Rodgers’ potential return, players are amazed at the progress he has made in such a short time.
Cornerback D.J. Reed noted that Rodgers is throwing with his usual precision, but it was a standout play—a leaping interception—that captured everyone’s attention. Tackle Duane Brown described the moment as “kind of scary” and highlighted Rodgers’ exceptional catch, contesting and picking off a pass.
Since Rodgers’ Achilles rupture in Week 1, the Jets have seen a quarterback shuffle from Zach Wilson to Tim Boyle and back to Wilson. With a 4-6 record with Wilson, who is coming off a stellar performance against the Houston Texans, the team faces uncertainties regarding Rodgers’ potential return and their playoff aspirations.
