Will Aaron Rodgers return this season? Jets HC Robert Saleh weighs in
Aaron Rodgers is more determined than ever to get back onto the field. Just 75 seconds into his first game with the New York Jets, Rodgers went down with an Achilles tendon rupture. However, he has been rehabbing at an accelerated pace and was even seen on the field during warmups on Sunday night, throwing a football […]
Aaron Rodgers is more determined than ever to get back onto the field.
Just 75 seconds into his first game with the New York Jets, Rodgers went down with an Achilles tendon rupture. However, he has been rehabbing at an accelerated pace and was even seen on the field during warmups on Sunday night, throwing a football around without crutches or a boot on his foot.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh can hardly believe what he is seeing, and spoke with Good Morning Football on Tuesday about Rodgers' potential return.
"I'm one of those guys searching, like, 'Is he supposed to do this?' " Saleh said. "I've coached Richard Sherman, who was coming off his Achilles. I've got friends who have had Achilles injuries, and what he's doing, according to them, is absolutely ridiculous. For him to be walking already, I wouldn't put anything past him. He is a big believer in manifestation; you are who you think you are, and you become what you think about. He is willing himself to return faster than what you're supposed to be.
"I think he's fueled by doubt — I don't think, I know — he's fueled by doubt. The more you doubt him, the more fuel he has. He's on a mission. There's one thing I've learned about him, in my very short time with him, is that when he's got something on his mind and he wants to prove something, he's going to prove it. So, a lot of people can doubt him, but I'm not doubting him. We're leaving the door open for him but it's amazing to see how hard he's been working and the intent at which he's been doing it."
Breece Hall, who himself returned from a major injury earlier than expected, was also asked on "God Bless Football" with Jon "Stugotz" Weiner, Billy Gil and Mike Antoniou, if he thought Rodgers was coming back this year.
"I'm not going to put anything in the air, but I'll say for a guy like him, anything is possible," Hall said.
Rodgers was traded to the Jets in April 2023 after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The four-time NFL MVP has only one Super Bowl victory under his belt, but is looking to get another in New York.
And he has proven to be a team player, taking a $35 million pay cut in order to ensure the team can be the best it can be. While many players are concerned about money, Rodgers actions prove that he wants to win.
And with the talent that brought on, including the star quarterback, many considered them to be Super Bowl contenders.
However, after just four plays into the season, those hopes were crushed as Rodgers was sacked by Leonard Floyd, and despite originally standing up up, he immediately sat back down on the ground and trainers rushed over to him. He was then helped off the field, limping to the sideline and Zach Wilson came in to replaced Rodgers. A cart was brought over to the sidelines soon after and Rodgers was loaded onto the back and brought back into the locker room.
Because of that, the team had to adjust, with Zach Wilson going from being the backup to now the starter for the season.
"There was a little bit of getting up off the mat and trying to adjust to life without Aaron, but really feel like our guys are starting to believe in what they are capable of and getting ready to attack the second half of the season."
The Jets took down the undefeated Eagles on Sunday night, and those playoff hopes were sparked once again as the team sits at 3-3 heading into Week 7. With that, there is now a question if Rodgers will be back if the team is able to get to the playoffs.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Saleh said about Rodgers' return. "Like I said, we're leaving that door open for him. Everything says he shouldn't be able to do this. Any medical professional, anyone who's been through an Achilles injury, they're all saying there's no way. But don't tell him that. Like I said, the more you doubt him and the more you doubt whether or not he's able to do it, I think it just fuels him. I mean, if I was going to bet — even though gambling is illegal for employees — I would bet on him, not against him."
