The potential return of Aaron Rodgers to the Jets’ lineup has been a storyline since his New York debut lasted 4 offensive snaps in Week 1. He has maintained an aggressive rehab schedule since tearing his Achilles, and one other milestone in that course of in inside attain.
Rodgers in on monitor to obtain medical clearance to return to play within the coming days, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The four-time MVP returned to practice in late November, opening his 21-day activation window. The Jets should carry him off injured reserve by Wednesday to keep away from having him revert to season-ending IR, although it very a lot stays to be seen which route staff and participant will take.
As Schefter and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network note, Rodgers and the Jets will focus on their plan of action given the very fact he’s removed from 100% wholesome and New York’s bleak playoff probabilities. Sitting at 5-8 to start the day, the staff confronted a steep climb to stay in attain of the postseason as of Week 15. The Jets could possibly be eradicated from the playoffs Sunday relying on how their recreation and others within the AFC shake out. Realizing the slim possibilities of a wild-card berth, it’s at the moment unlikely Rodgers takes the field earlier than September 2024.
The Jets’ December 24 matchup towards the Commanders has been referred to as Rodgers’ focused return date, however each reviews verify it could be unlikely he could be within the lineup at that time even when he’s cleared. The 40-year-old has but to totally simulate a recreation setting in apply, although head coach Robert Saleh has expressed a way of being impressed by his mobility when on the sector. As issues at the moment stand, Zach Wilson is in line to remain New York’s starter to shut out the season after (as soon as once more) being positioned atop the depth chart.
Given the accidents suffered by Rodgers (who underwent a velocity bridge process to quickly speed up the therapeutic course of) and quite a lot of different key offensive gamers, the Jets are anticipated to treat 2023 as a write-off. No main workers modifications are anticipated because of this, and any tweaks on that entrance, together with roster strikes, will probably be made with Rodgers in thoughts. The long run Corridor of Famer is basically on the books by 2024 on account of the revised pact he agreed to within the offseason. That contract requires over $38M in compensation subsequent yr, which stays essentially the most possible level at which he will probably be accessible for the Jets.