NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Cleared to Return Less Than 3 Months After Tearing His Achilles

Ahmad Austin Jr.Nov 29th, 2023, 2:11 pm
 
Aaron Rodgers

Bryan Woolston/AP

The New York Jets on Wednesday opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles tendon just 11 weeks prior.

Rodgers’ debut season with the Jets ended immediately after it began when he suffered the injury on the team’s first drive in the season opener. The Achilles tear — like the ACL tear in the knee — is traditionally a season-ending injury.

The 39-year-old, however, has expressed his intention to beat that timetable. Rodgers underwent an experimental procedure by Dr. Neal ElAttrache; and within weeks, the QB began walking without crutches and has even been seen taking warmup throws before games.

Despite the seemingly speedy recovery, many people aren’t buying it. FS1 commentator Skip Bayless, for example, accused Rodgers of simply talking up his possible return for attention.

Jets coach Robert Saleh announced Rodgers was cleared for “functional football activity.” As ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted, opening the practice window doesn’t necessarily mean a return to play is imminent.

“It’s the next step in his rehab,” Schefter continued. “The window could just as easily close without him returning to play. He needs to continue to feel better and the Jets need to win. But his recovery continues.”

When a player is placed on injured reserve in the NFL, teams may open the 21-day practice window after sitting out at least four games. During this window, the player can practice without being added back to the 53-man roster. At the end of the 21 days, the team must decide to add him back to the roster or shut him down for the rest of the season.

Rodgers has previously said his push to return this season will depend on the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs.

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