Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is likely to be medically cleared to play next week. This just 12 weeks after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles tendon suffered back in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 11.
Schefter notes that being cleared to play doesn’t necessarily mean Rodgers will play in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders. That game had been the target recently for a potential return for Rodgers. The Jets opened Rodgers’ 21-day practice window on November 29. They have until December 20 to activate him to the 53-man roster, otherwise, he is out for the season.
According to Schefter, the Jets and Rodgers have to meet to discuss if returning next Sunday is the next step they want to take. It means Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins could make all the difference. If the Jets win and keep their playoff hopes alive, Rodgers might suit up on Christmas Eve. If not, then there is no reason for him to play. The Jets could activate him just to let him practice but they also could simply shut him down for the season.
Rodgers has continuously said the Jets’ playoff chances would play a factor in him returning. The Jets enter Sunday 5-8 and are on the brink of elimination. A loss to Miami all but ends their playoff hopes — a loss plus a win by one of Buffalo, Cleveland or Houston would officially eliminate New York.
Just being cleared this soon given his age — Rodgers turned 40 on December 2 — is an accomplishment in and of itself. The Jets can begin looking ahead to 2024 where they will look to make a strong run with a (hopefully) healthy Rodgers behind center. Rodgers has been practicing off and on and even starting increasing his practice habits in recent days. Head coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers looked “normal” in practice Friday.
An important game Sunday may have just added even more at stake.
