Jets QB Aaron Rodgers' recovery takes intriguing turn in comeback bid

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that he will do anything to return to the football field. And he isn't letting an Achilles tear that he suffered 95 days ago stop him.  Yet, the New York Jets recent struggles might mean that the quarterback doesn't get back on the field for a game. But he's still […]

Sophie Weller NFL Trending News Writer
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers watches warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that he will do anything to return to the football field. And he isn't letting an Achilles tear that he suffered 95 days ago stop him. 

Yet, the New York Jets recent struggles might mean that the quarterback doesn't get back on the field for a game. But he's still going at it in practice. 

On Friday, prior to the Jets divisional matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers took on a new task during practice. 

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Rodgers made "a leaping, one handed interception," while filing in on the scout team defense during practice. 

The 40-year-old quarterback isn't letting anything hold him back. 

Rodgers went down just minutes into his first game with the Jets. He was sacked by Leonard Floyd, and despite originally standing 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.

Soon after, it was confirmed he suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon.

What is the 21-day practice window? 

The Jets designated Rodgers to return in late November, opening his 21-day practice window. This allows players to practice with the team without taking up a spot on the 53-man roster. 

However, when the window expires, the team has to make the decision to active them or rule them out for the remainder of the season. 

Will Rodgers return this season? 

This is the biggest question, with the quarterback already back on the field. However, Rodgers revealed some key information that might make it less likely. 

Rodgers told Pat McAfee during his weekly appearance at the end of November that his chances of returning are based off two factors: is he healthy and can the Jets make a playoff run?

While the answer to the first question may be yes, it is VERY unlikely that the Jets will make the playoffs this season, currently sitting with a 5-8 record. And according to the New York Times, the Jets currently have a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs. 

So, while his practice window has been opened, there is a chance he can go right back to injured reserve.