After Aaron Rodgers’ injury to his Achilles, there has been anticipation about when he will return to the field. According to a report by Rich Cimini for ESPN, New York Jets coach Robert Saleh has said that the decision will ultimately be up to Rodgers himself.
On Wednesday, Saleh stated, “Aaron’s a big boy, a grown man, and no one’s going to know Aaron’s body like Aaron knows his body. And if he feels after all the doctors clear him — I’m sure there’s a million of them, I have no idea — but if Aaron says he wants to play, he’s going to play.”
Rodgers has been rehabbing at a Los Angeles-based facility, flying to the Jets’ games on the weekend. He’s planning to rejoin the team on a full-time basis next week, he said. The quarterback, who suffered the injury on the fourth play of the season, chose Los Angeles-based Dr. Neal ElAttrache to perform his surgery.
Saleh acknowledged the risk-reward nature of the decision, considering the nature of the injury, Rodgers’ age, and the team’s place in the standings. No NFL player has returned to play in less than five months from Achilles surgery.
If Rodgers is cleared to practice, he’ll have a 21-day window for roster activation. Without Rodgers, the Jets have struggled on offense with Zach Wilson at quarterback, scoring a league-low eight touchdowns.
While the decision to return is in the hands of Rodgers, the uncertainty lingers as to when he will make his comeback. For now, the Jets face the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in a span of six days, trying to stay in playoff contention.