If the Jets are eliminated from the playoffs, Rodgers is unlikely to play, according to sources. No surprise, but that’s what it says. New York is 4-7 and its playoff chances are hanging by a thread. A defeat today would make promotion even more difficult. Rodgers has targeted the Dec. 24 game against the Washington Commanders as a possible return date, but if the Jets are eliminated by then, don’t expect a return.
Rodgers hinted at as much this week, saying it would be a risk for him to play if he’s not 100% healthy. “If we come out, I would be surprised if they were okay with it coming back,” he told reporters. As a matter of fact.
There’s a chance Rodgers could be activated this season, bringing him back to the 53-man roster, sources say. But even if the team was eliminated, he wouldn’t play. For example, he could be the third QB who is only used in an emergency, which helps him stay connected and involved. None were used this season.
Having Rodgers on the practice field 77 days after surgery was a huge win. As he stated this week: “From September 12th my goal was to get back on the practice field and try it out.” He did it.
But what’s really happening is that Rodgers is continuing his on-field rehab. He is now cleared for certain football activities and if he wasn’t training he would be throwing at people anyway. It makes sense to throw the shot to the players and not to the coaches. None of his throws came in team replays.
Sources say he doesn’t cause himself any further harm when he’s in a practice environment and there’s no point in slowing him down. The biggest risk would be that his surgically repaired Achilles tendon muscle reacted to unexpected movement or trauma, and that won’t happen until all parties agree later.
If the Jets are somehow still alive at the end of December and a decision needs to be made, it will largely come down to how he can protect himself from the unforeseen and unexpected. Until then, 11 weeks later, everything is positive.
What Rodgers is doing is unprecedented, according to conversations with those involved in athlete recovery. Being so mobile less than three months after surgery is wild. And those at the Jets noticed everyone’s reaction to him, which served as a boost for the team.
Those close to Rodgers say he feels a responsibility and obligation to be back with the team after helping shape it this offseason before suffering the injury so early on. Those with the Jets believe Rodgers has shown true leadership qualities.
This is one of the reasons why no one wants to stop him or slow him down – as long as he is not in further danger.