Latest news regarding Aaron Rodgers could put him on Dolphins' radar

The Miami Dolphins are on a roll lately. With a two and a half-game lead in the AFC East and the 4-8 Commanders on the slate for Sunday, the Dolphins are poised to run away with the division over the next few weeks. However, the team they thrashed on Black Friday might not be exactly […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Nov 29, 2023 11:07 PM EST

However, the team they thrashed on Black Friday might not be exactly the same when the Dolphins and Jets rematch on December 17 at Hard Rock Stadium.

QB Aaron Rodgers returned to practice on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve. Robert Saleh noted in his press conference on Wednesday that the move wasn't as much getting him ready to play as it is allowing him to continue his rehab at the moment.

Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon on the Jets' first series in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, which seemingly ended his season. However, Rodgers underwent a procedure known as a "speed bridge" that purportedly can accelerate the recovery process.

In his absence, the Jets have sunk to 4-7, with Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle being unable to provide any kind of offense spark to the sputtering New York offense.

The Jets' second matchup against the Dolphins is exactly 18 days away from Rodgers' return to practice, so while it's possible Rodgers returns on December 17, it's still likely a long shot.

But it's not impossible by any means, given what he's been able to accomplish during his recovery. After all, the fact he's even practicing just 79 days after suffering such a gruesome injury is one of the most improbable sports recoveries in recent memory.

Does Rodgers have one more surprise in store for fans in the coming weeks? It might prove over the next two weeks that Rodgers isn't ready, but until that time, it would be premature to rule him out of the Jets' plans in mid-December.