The Jets are opening Aaron Rodgers’ 21-day practice window, though it doesn’t necessarily mean his return is imminent.
Head coach Robert Saleh announced the update on the 39-year-old quarterback, out since the Sept. 11 opener with a torn Achilles, before the Jets practiced Thursday [AEDT], but he cautioned that this practice window will be approached differently from some of their other injured players.
The Jets — like all NFL teams — are allowed to designate eight players for a return from injured reserve. Saleh said they have extra spots to use.
And because of that, he said, there’s no risk in opening the window Thursday. Instead of working off to a side field, throwing to an equipment manager or another Jets staffer, Rodgers can throw to wideouts during the portions of practice for which he has been cleared.
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“This is more progression in his rehab,” Saleh said.
“If we get to that 21-day window and he’s feeling great, we’ll have that discussion then, but right now, it’s just a matter of him progressing in his rehab.”
It marks the latest step in Rodgers’ quick recovery from his Achilles injury. He has insisted the entire time that he remains ahead of schedule, targeting a return to practice this week with the potential to return for the Jets’ Dec. 24 game against the Commanders.
Gang Green likely needs to remain in postseason contention in order for Rodgers to return, something he reiterated Tuesday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” and they currently sit at 4-7.
“He’s been cleared for functional football activity,” Saleh said. “He’s not cleared to fully play football.”
Even if Rodgers encounters a setback or reinjures the Achilles during his return, Saleh said the Jets are under the impression that Rodgers will return in 2024 — aligning with what Rodgers hinted at in the offseason, before the injury occurred, that he viewed this as a multi-year relationship.
“I promise Aaron is not gonna do anything that puts himself in harm’s way,” Saleh said.
This article first appeared on The New York Postand was reproduced with permission
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