Aaron Rodgers is planning to return from a torn Achilles in December and his first game back from the injury could very well be on Christmas Eve against the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Here’s my understanding after talking to several people involved in the situation,” Rapoport said Sunday. “The most likely spot that Aaron Rodgers could return would be the December 24th game against the Commanders.”
If Rapoport is accurate, that would mean Rodgers would be back in Week 16, giving him three more regular season games before the playoffs. Of course, this would only happen if Rodgers could protect himself and if the Jets were still in the playoff hunt.
From @NFLGameDay: #Jets QB Aaron Rodgers eyes a December return, with Week 16 being the most likely spot… if the #Jets are alive and he can protect himself; Meanwhile, the #Bills debut a new offensive coordinator today. pic.twitter.com/HV3JZ8L5Wr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2023
Ahead of the team’s Sunday matchup against the Bills, the Jets are 4–5 on the year and currently out of the playoff picture. Between now and then, New York will face the Bills, Dolphins, Falcons, Texans and then the Dolphins one more time before Week 16.
New York will look to keep its head above water starting Sunday with kick off set for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.