On the field, Aaron Rodgers amazes his Jets friends. Is he going to be back on Christmas Eve?
It’s still not likely that Aaron Rodgers will come back, but New York Jets coach Robert Saleh said that Rodgers “pushed it just a bit” during practice on Thursday and “looked normal.” That was before a play that amazed peers at practice on Friday.
“I can’t believe it,” Saleh said. “Hat tip to him. Hangnails are a pain these days—they can ruin a whole week of games—but this guy is working hard to get better. It shows that he cares. I’m grateful for him.”
Rodgers ran bootlegs, took snaps in center, and dashed from one drill to the next. But he hasn’t done 11-on-11 drills yet, which would be the next step in his repair.
He threw in the seven-on-seven part of practice at the end, when guys on the practice squad were looking for more reps.
Aaron Rodgers tried to come back after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon by taking a few more steps and making a memorable play.
Aaron Rodgers showed his friends how good he is by making a leaping grab during practice, even though he was limited again in Friday and couldn’t play in the game.
Coach Robert Saleh said on Friday that the quarterback, who is 40 years old, “pushed it a little bit” at practice on Thursday, but he was still only mentioned as a limited participant. He had missed practice on Wednesday.
Wilson, a wide receiver, said, “He’s been moving great.” “Today he jumped out and caught it.” It’s pretty scary. ‘Chill!’ I tell you. I was going to say that, but he looks way ahead of plan.
Rodgers was hurt three snaps into his first game with the team on September 11. Saleh said Rodgers took some snaps under center on Thursday, ran certain ones bootleg plays, and walked during practice.
Saleh laughed and said, “He looks fine to me.” “This is amazing. He should be praised for working hard to get back on his feet, especially since a hangnail these days can ruin a whole week of play. It shows just how much he cares. I’m grateful for him.”
Rodgers has done practice with one player and with seven players. The next step for the four-time NFL MVP is to take part in 11-on-11 drills, but it’s not clear when that will happen.
On November 29, the Jets gave Rodgers a 21-day practice window. This meant that he could do some football exercises but not contact.
The Jets have until next Wednesday to either bring Rodgers back from injured reserve or put him on IR for the rest of this season.
Rodgers wants to play again on December 24 when the Jets get together with Washington. He said he wants to feel safe on the field, the Jets need to stay in the playoff hunt, and doctors need to give him the all-clear to play.
Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that there are still “some things I’ve got to do so as to be allowed to be cleared.”
On September 13, he had surgery that allegedly included putting an internal brace called a “speed bridge” on Rodgers’ Achilles tendon to help it heal faster.
If Rodgers starts this season, he will have returned from that injury faster than any other professional athlete.
On Sunday, the Jets (5-8) go to Miami to play their AFC East rivals, the Dolphins (9-4). Zach Wilson will start at quarterback.
Wilson came back from sitting out two games and threw for 301 yards within New York’s 30-6 win over Houston last Sunday.
The quarterback, who is in his third year, was named the AFC offensive player for the week over the first time. OL Carter Warren (hip) is questionable to play, and WR Jason Brownlee (ankle) was ruled out for the game.
Since next week is the last day for Aaron Rodgers to be recalled from the injured list, he has been practicing more over the last two days.
Rodgers, who is still recovering, also showed off his impressive jumping skills while catching the puck at Friday’s practice in Florham Park.
Rodgers is trying to play this season after having surgery in September to fix a torn left Achilles. Jets coach Robert Saleh said that Rodgers took snaps under center as well as took part in 7-on-7 drills on Thursday, even running a few bootlegs.
When asked about Thursday, Saleh said, “He pushed this a little bit.” I think he looks fine; he jogs from drill to drill in running shoes. He went under center. … It’s not even possible.”
Rodgers has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. He must be activated by Wednesday, which is the end of a 21-day window for his return to the roster, or he will be out for the rest of the season.