- Rodgers told Pat McAfee on Tuesday that he was encouraged by his progress
- His return depends on two factors: his own health and the Jets’ postseason chances
- READ MORE: Rodgers aims for Christmas Eve game after Achilles tendon injury
Aaron Rodgers’ chances of returning to the New York Jets this season depend on his recovery from his torn Achilles tendon as well as the team’s chances of reaching the postseason, he told ESPN’s Pat McAfee on Tuesday.
“I think it’s always been the question, ‘Am I healthy?'” Rodgers said Tuesday during his weekly remote interview with the former NFL player. “And then, are we alive and are we in it and are we playing well enough to make a breakthrough?” Can I step in and protect myself and play at the level that I think I’m capable of?
“First of all it’s about health and then I can play. ‘Are we alive for the playoffs?’ and secondly?”
Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in his first series with the Jets in September, but has since tried against all odds to return to the 4-7 Jets this season.
In fact, Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino recently marveled at Rodgers’ progress.
Aaron Rodgers told Pat McAfee on Tuesday that he was encouraged by his progress
According to Rodgers, the Miami Dolphins legend referred to his own ruptured Achilles tendon during their exchange: “What are you doing?” The rehab took 11 months for me.’
But as Rodgers said Tuesday, “It’s no longer a death sentence for a career.”
The good news for Jets fans is that Rodgers’ recovery appears to be going remarkably well. He is currently able to shift 70 percent of his body weight onto his injured right leg while running on a treadmill at 8 mph.
He has also been observed walking without a limp – a development he
“Every week I feel better,” he said. “The ability to not have to travel to Buffalo probably helped me the most, just because I was able to do the 10 days of rehab without the travel.” And as much fun as it is to see the guys, it throws me into the Rehab back a little too.”
Aaron Rodgers is helped off the field after tearing his Achilles tendon in his first series with the Jets
Of course, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs continue to decline.
On Sunday, Zach Wilson’s replacement, Tim Boyle, couldn’t do any better than his predecessor, throwing for 179 yards and two picks in a loss to the Miami Dolphins.
In addition to Wilson, the Jets also have Trevor Siemian, who is currently second on the depth chart behind Boyle.
For the Jets to have a chance at the postseason – and a Rodgers return – they must beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Jets Miami Dolphins