The deadline for the Jets to activate quarterback Aaron Rodgers from injured reserve is quickly approaching. The team has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to bring Rodgers back to the 53-man roster. Wednesday is the last day of the 21-day practice window the Jets opened on November 29 for Rodgers. If the Jets do not activate Rodgers by Wednesday, he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Saleh was asked about Rodgers potentially coming back this week but did not offer much insight, perhaps keeping things close to the vest.
“I don’t have anything for you guys on that one right now,” Saleh said. “Like I said, as far as I’m concerned, he’s still in rehab.”
Saleh said he wants to wait until a conversation with doctors happens regarding the next step with Rodgers and if he will be activated this week.
“We’ve got to meet with his doctors and see if there’s actual clearance on their part, there’s got to be clearance on our doctors’ parts, so there’s a lot of steps there. And then obviously, there has to be a discussion with Aaron in terms of what the next step would be and the comfort level of everybody on board, so it’s not something that’s made in a vacuum, but all the right conversations would be had.”
Rodgers has been practicing off and on since the Jets opened his window the week after Thanksgiving. His schedule was part of the rehabilitation process. Rodgers is hoping to ramp up his practice habits at some points. If he is activated, the Jets could choose to do just that with the potential of him playing either Sunday against the Washington Commanders or the following Thursday against the Cleveland Browns.
Of course, there is one major monkey wrench that was thrown into the plans: the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention after their 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins coupled with wins by the Browns and Houston Texans. Rodgers has said on a number of occasions that the Jets’ playoff chances would play a factor in him returning this season. With the percent chance now zero, will that mean Rodgers’ plans to return are now zero percent? That answer should be revealed in the next few days. Wednesday will be very telling.
