Aaron Rodgers has been hinting for weeks at a possible return from his Achilles injury, and now the star Jets QB has taken one step closer to making it a reality.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Jets announced that they have opened Rodgers' 21-day practice window and the four-time MVP has been cleared for "functional football activity."
New York entered the 2023 NFL season with Super Bowl aspirations, but those dreams evaporated quickly when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles during his first drive in Week 1. The Jets have struggled to stay afloat since then, owning a 4-7 record while their offense ranks second-to-last in yards per game (260.2) and third-to-last in points per game (14.8).
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Will Rodgers actually be able to get back on the field for an NFL game within four months of tearing his Achilles? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
Jets open Aaron Rodgers' 21-day practice window
The Jets announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29, that they have opened Rodgers' 21-day practice window. Head coach Robert Saleh added that the 39-year-old QB has been cleared for "functional football activity" but not contact.
.@AaronRodgers12 spinnin' it 👀 pic.twitter.com/kyu00tUIis
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 29, 2023
While Rodgers' return to the practice field is undoubtedly an encouraging sign, it does not mean that he is certain to play this season.
Opening the 21-day practice window means that players who were on Injured Reserve are allowed to return to practice without taking up a spot on the team's 53-man roster. If Rodgers is not elevated to the 53-man roster by the end of the 21-day window, the Jets will have to decide if they will make him active or designate him for season-ending IR.
Will Aaron Rodgers return this season?
Rodgers has been teasing a possible return for weeks, even going as far as throwing on the field during the Jets' warmups ahead of games.
On "The Pat McAfee Show" on Nov. 28, Rodgers provided an update on where he stands on his potential return.
"It's always been, first, am I healthy? And 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 I feel like I am capable of playing?" Rodgers told McAfee.
"... If the answer is yes, then we move in that direction, but if the answer is no, I have to listen to my body. I still have to be cleared by everybody at that point, but it's health first and then, 'Are we alive for the playoffs?' second."
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Head coach Saleh expanded on that during his press conference ahead of Rodgers' return to the practice field.
"This is not so much getting ready to play as it is a progression in his rehab," Saleh told the media before declaring, "Aaron is not going to do anything to put himself in harm's way."
With only six games remaining in the regular season, New York will have three weeks to decide if it is worth putting Rodgers at risk of another injury with a quick turnaround.
Jets remaining schedule 2023
The Jets have six games remaining for Rodgers to possibly return. You can find the rest of their 2023 schedule below:
| Date | Week | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 3 | 13 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Dec. 10 | 14 | vs. Texans | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 17 | 15 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 24 | 16 | vs. Commanders | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 28 | 17 | at Browns (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| TBD | 18 | at Patriots | TBD | TBD |
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