The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday, the next step in the four-time NFL MVP’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon.
Coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, was cleared for some football activities but will be limited at practice and is not cleared for contact. Saleh said there’s no added risk in taking this step, emphasizing it’s not necessarily a signal that Rodgers will play again this season as much as it is the next part of the quarterback’s rehabilitation process.
At the end of the 21-day period, the Jets will have to make a decision whether to activate him or he’ll spend the rest of this season on injured reserve.
Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11 and had surgery two days later. The operation included a “speed bridge” procedure, which helps expedite the healing process. Rodgers has been progressing quickly in his rehabilitation and is still aiming to make an unprecedented quick return to the field.
But Rodgers acknowledged during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday the factors in him returning to play this season are two-fold. The doctors must clear Rodgers — and the Jets must be in the AFC playoff hunt.
“It’s always been, first, am I healthy?” Rodgers said. “Then, are we alive? Are we in it? Are we playing good enough to make a run? Can I step in and protect myself and play at the level that I’m capable of playing? But it’s health first and are we alive for the playoffs, second.”
The Jets (4-7) have lost four in a row and host the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
