New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears to have gained full mobility on his right leg and is comfortably throwing the football in practice.
Work ⏳@AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/DVT4zIzaUL
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 14, 2023
Footage shared by SNY showed the 40-year-old getting in his repetitions on Thursday as he prepares for an unprecedented return from an Achilles tear that he suffered on opening night.
In the video, Rodgers is seen running, pivoting and putting weight on his leg. Meanwhile, his throws seemingly have no rust, despite not playing since September 11.
Rodgers is expected to be medically cleared for a return on Christmas Eve – just 104 days after suffering the injury.
Whether or not Rodgers will play against the Commanders in New York’s third-to-last game this season depends on Jets coach Robert Saleh.
Aaron Rodgers was dropping back and throwing spirals in practice on Thursday morning
Rodgers is expected to be cleared by Christmas Eve after tearing his Achilles on September 11
The Jets signed Rodgers this season as a saving grace for the struggling franchise. Unfortunately, the 2011 Super Bowl MVP got hurt within his first quarter in Jets colors against the Buffalo Bills.
While Rodgers and fans initially thought that his season was over, Rodgers worked towards being the first to return from the injury in under four months.
Less than a month after undergoing surgery on September 13, Rodgers was walking unaided around the Jets locker room on October 1. Two weeks later, Rodgers was throwing a football, which first hinted the historic return.
‘There’s nothing normal about how I’m attacking this rehab,’ Rodgers said in September. ‘There is common practices about six weeks in a boot, and I was in a shoe in like 13 days. Again, this is just my mindset.’
Late in October, Taylor Lewan reported that a source close to Rodgers said that he would return in December, which now appears to be the case.
Without Rodgers facilitating, the Jets have been suffering behind Zach Wilson. New York currently holds a 5-8 record as the third-placed team in the AFC East.
However, the Jets’ playoff hopes got a lifeline after beating the Texans, 30-6, on Sunday. The Jets need to keep winning to secure a postseason appearance with their next game coming against a top team in the Miami Dolphins.