Despite making his return to practice earlier this week, it remains unclear whether Aaron Rodgers will complete what would be a remarkable return from a torn Achilles this season.
According to one NFL insider, while there’s a chance that Rodgers will be activated by the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, it remains “unlikely” he’ll play in another game this season.
On Sunday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network provided an update on the four-time MVP, who the New York Jets designated for return from earlier this week. The return allows Rodgers to return to practice and activates a 21-day window for the Jets to re-add him to their 53-man roster — something they may do, even if they don’t intend for him to ultimately play in a game.
“After talking to sources throughout the week about Rodgers’ situation, here’s the summation of where it all stands: It’s appearing unlikely that Rodgers plays in a game at all this season,” wrote Rapoport, later adding: “There is a chance that Rodgers is activated this season, putting him back on the 53-man roster, sources say. But even then, if the team is out of it, he wouldn’t play. He may, for instance, be the third QB only to be used in emergency, helping him stay connected and involved. The Jets have not used an emergency QB this season.”
Apart from the obvious fact that Rodgers is less than three months removed from suffering a torn Achilles in New York’s season opener, the main question that arises is whether the Jets can stay competitive enough to justify a return for the 40-year-old quarterback. After jumping out to a 4-3 start despite their star quarterback’s injury, the Jets have lost four straight and enter Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in third place of the AFC East at 4-7.
[NFL.com]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.