The New York Jets’ promising 2023 NFL season met a screeching halt after Buffalo Bills defensive end/linebacker Leonard Floyd sacked Aaron Rodgers. Something was amiss after the four-time Most Valuable Player tried to get up.
The Super Bowl XLV champion could put weight on his feet, forcing him to quickly collapse after briefly getting up. Eventually, he was diagnosed with an Achilles tear. But after 79 days of surgery and rehabilitation, the Jets have opened Rodgers’ 21-day practice window.
Breaking: The Jets are opening the 21-day practice window today for Aaron Rodgers.
— ESPN (@espn) November 29, 2023
It has been 79 days since he was diagnosed with a torn Achilles. pic.twitter.com/ltJgsXFwLy
The fastest known recovery from an Achilles injury among NFL players was four months. However, as reports shared, Rodgers underwent an innovative surgery under famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Weeks earlier, Rodgers was also throwing the ball during team practices. He raised the stakes by simulating quarterback drops before releasing the ball. This time, the Jets would like to assess if he’s healthy enough to participate in practice.
Doing so will help him return to his football rhythm, which he hasn’t experienced since he went down during the Jets’ season-opener against the Buffalo Bills. However, opening his practice window doesn’t mean he’s already back on the active roster.
Instead, the Jets have three weeks to determine if they will elevate Aaron Rodgers to the active roster or put him on season-ending injured reserve. The team’s playoff viability will be a significant consideration in their decision.
The Jets are at 4-7 with six regular season games left to play. Their remaining schedule isn’t necessarily a walk in the park because they will face the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. They also have matches against the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots.
Sweeping their next three games puts New York’s AFC team at 7-7 and a slight opening for a postseason berth. Otherwise, opening Rodgers’ practice window is still a good move to build momentum for next season, even if their front office and coaching staff might be overhauled.
-Lance Fernandez