The long saga of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his recovery from a Week 1 Achilles tear may finally be approaching its anti-climactic resolution. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the four-time MVP is not expected to play if the Jets fall out of playoff contention.
If the #Jets are out of the playoffs, Rodgers is not expected to be cleared, sources say. But there is also this: https://t.co/u5ArYnWoHq pic.twitter.com/SoLG1Xv42N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2023
Considering they lost 13-8 earlier today to the Atlanta Falcons and fell to 4-8, the Jets are essentially out of the playoff hunt already. With games against the Houston Texans and at the Miami Dolphins over the next two weeks, the Jets are not realistic Wildcard contenders. Consequently, Rodgers' allegedly miraculous recovery will more than likely go untested.
Rodgers tore his Achilles on the opening drive of the Jets' shocking Week 1 22-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, failing to complete a pass and absorbing a sack before his exit. The Jets offense has struggled in his absence, ranking 31st in yards per game (260.2) and 30th in points per game (14.8) through 12 weeks.
Despite the injury, Rodgers turned heads earlier this month by sharing he expected to play again this season. Typically, Achilles tears are season-ending and sport 6-12 month recovery timelines. A 39-year-old quarterback returning to action in a little over three months would be unprecedented. Rodgers, who was evidently targeting a December 24th return against the Washington Commanders, had supposedly progressed enough to potentially make good on his claim.
In the end, the Jets are better off. Even if Rodgers had eventually been cleared to play, risking further injury for a slim chance at a playoff push could have cost the Jets dearly. Rodgers and the Jets can now do what they should have always done: focus their efforts on preparing for a healthy and productive 2024 season.
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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