The human body is an enigma. As we continue to provide new advances in medical technology and biological discoveries, it continues to surprise us. In sports medicine, we’re constantly reminded of how impressive the human body can withstand. The impact and destruction it goes through in the average NFL season would decimate lesser men. But, there are some instances when even under extreme duress, hope remains. Not all people are Aaron Rodgers.
That’s the feeling among the fans and the New York Jets organization as a whole. Hope seemed to shatter in Week One as Aaron Rodgers went down only four snaps into his Jets’ tenure. However, less than three months removed from surgery, Aaron Rodgers announced he’s ramping up his rehab further. He spoke on ESPN about how he plans to return “full time” by Thanksgiving and open the door for a potential mid-December return.
"I'm gonna be back with the Jets full time real soon..
The plan has always been to be back full time right around Thanksgiving" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/2PnQSKutjH
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 14, 2023
Heal to Toe? Aaron Rodgers’ Update Gives Fans Hope
After the team went 7-9 despite starting three different quarterbacks throughout 2022, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas knew he had a championship-caliber defense in front of him. In year three of his rebuild, head coach Robert Saleh and he constructed an incredibly talented defense who just needed an above-average offense to support them. When it became known that the Green Bay Packers were willing to move on from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, Joe Douglas knew this was a golden opportunity. So on April 24, Joe Douglas and Brian Gutekunst agreed to a deal that would send the quarterback to New York in exchange for multiple draft picks. He was perceived to be the missing piece on offense to elevate New York back to the postseason. Unfortunately, those aspirations were tarnished by a Leonard Floyd sack. The play resulted in a torn Achilles tendon.
Settling for the status quo
While they escaped Week One with a victory over Buffalo, fans have been distraught at the state of the offense in Rodgers’s absence. Even though their record sits at 4-5, the Jets offense has barely functioned correctly under Zach Wilson. Over half the season is through and the Jets have only seven total touchdowns on offense. The fault isn’t all on Zach Wilson‘s shoulders. Plagued by multiple offensive line injuries and nauseating play calling from Nathaniel Hackett has made it impossible to find the end zone. In addition, New York has been subjected to costly penalties that halt momentum on offense.
A December return for Rodgers?
Even though he’s away from the field, Aaron Rodgers has been very open to the public about his recovery. Reportedly, he underwent a successful surgery back in September to install an internal brace in the Achilles tendon. While experimental, the surgery has bode well for the 38-year-old quarterback’s recovery. Rodgers is throwing passes in warmups on game day and off crutches. On Wednesday, Rodgers provided the latest update on his rehab while appearing on the Pat McAfee Show.
The quarterback has been a regular on McAfee’s program for years and informed the public that he intends to be back with the Jets in “full capacity” by Thanksgiving. While it’s surprising to hear of such an advanced recovery at Rodgers’ age, the rumors of a mid-December return are growing louder and louder. Despite the team’s offense as a weakness, the Jets remain in playoff contention at 4-5. The Buffalo Bills’ dysfunctions and the Browns losing Deshaun Watson for the season open an opportunity. With three AFC East match-ups within the next five weeks, the Jets have a chance to drastically improve their playoff odds.
AARON RODGERS TO GARRETT WILSON FOR THE TD 🔥
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/w5ZzQx5qxc— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 26, 2023
If the mid-December return remains in the cards, one can estimate a potential Rodgers return for December 10th against the Houston Texans. The second to last home game of the season, a return against Washington could be enough to get Rodgers up to speed. It would also ensure he has time to get used to the game before facing Miami again on December 17th. For fans, all we can do is hope.
Main Photo:[Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
