Jet Fuel: A-Rod Back at Practice?

11/30/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Inside Jets QB Aaron Rodgers’ Miraculous 3-Month Achilles Recovery

Will it actually happen? Will the Jets be in playoff contention? Is it worth the risk? There are plenty of questions surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential return to the Jets this season. It might be the most miraculous Achilles recovery ever seen in professional sports. The Jets opened the 21-day practice window for Rodgers on Wednesday morning, less than three months after he tore his Achilles on Sept. 11. Rodgers was scooting around and letting it fly. But let’s pump the brakes on this instantly saving the Jets’ season.

21-Day Practice Window: What It Means

“This isn’t so much getting ready to play as much as it is a progression in his rehab,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. If Rodgers is ready within the next 21 days, he can be activated from IR. That gives the Jets three more games to turn around a 4-7 record before Rodgers’ potential return. And if the Jets aren’t in playoff contention, count him out.

What’s a Typical Achilles Injury Recovery?

A normal Achilles tear can take up to six months for patients to return to normal activities, like walking or hiking. Pro athletes? It’s usually a nine-month recovery window to be game-ready. Famous superstars like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant suffered some of the most famous Achilles tears. Their returns were not this quick. In basketball, ankle movement is everything on a hard court. In football, it’s not far-fetched to think Rodgers could drop back and be a gunslinger, but his mobility would be an issue. Regardless, a three-month return is nothing short of a miracle.

Will any of this result in New York making a playoff run in these last six games? That’s up to the active Jets. Looking at the schedule, it’s possible, but unlikely.

Next 3 Games: Falcons, Texans, Dolphins

Final 3 Games: Commanders, Browns, Patriots

USA Today: Aaron Rodgers Cleared to Practice: What Does It Mean for His Return?

NY Post: Watch: Aaron Rodgers Back at Jets Practice — Less Than 3 Months After Catastrophic Injury

Photo: Michael Owens / Getty Images