The Jets' organized team activities (OTAs) have officially started, and there is one player that the entire league is keeping a close eye on: Aaron Rodgers.
Eight months ago on Sept. 11, 2023, Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles four plays into the season. The injury effectively ended the Jets' season, too, and Rodgers worried his career might be over as well.
Rodgers returned to practice in December in hopes of a return in the playoffs, but the Jets failed to reach the postseason. There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not the 40-year-old quarterback can come back from such a devastating injury, but the Jets made some big moves in the offseason to help Rodgers get back to the MVP caliber player in 2024.
They signed All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith, traded for right tackle Morgan Moses, signed offensive guard John Simpson and drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round. They also signed former Chargers receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal and drafted receiver Malachi Corley and running backs Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen.
Rodgers started the OTAs with no restrictions, per head coach Robert Saleh. Rodgers' first day of practice started off with a bang. He competed in team drills and 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 where he went 12-for14 with three touchdowns and he was 7-for-7 in the red zone with no interceptions, per The Athletic's Zach Rosenblatt. Rodgers was throwing darts to receiver Garrett Wilson and Corley, who has been very impressive the past 2 days. On Day 2, Rodgers was 13-15 passing with three touchdowns. He was 5-5 on 7-on-7 drills and 8-10 with 3 touchdowns in 11-on-11.
more of this pls@AaronRodgers12 ➡️ @GarrettWilson_V pic.twitter.com/CTSAYQI016
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 20, 2024
Through the first two days of OTAs, Rodgers hasn't looked too hampered by his injury. Rodgers participated in all offseason activities in 2023 and appears to be doing the same in 2024. The Jets and Rodgers have very high expectations for this season, and Rodgers acknowledged that a lot is riding on his ability this year.
"If I don't do what I'm capable of doing, then we're all probably going to be out of here," he said.
This is the team's first big step since the Jets' schedule was released. Traveling to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Monday Night Football is the next, which will be Rodgers' first game back on the field and his first against the defending NFC champions since he was with the Packers.
