Aaron Rodgers’ season might not be done just yet as the Jets season looks more and more weary. The 39-year old might be penning for a postseason return off an Achilles tear
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ– Less than two weeks ago Jets fans packed into MetLife Stadium on a Monday Night to watch what could be a savior for the New York franchise. Instead, they watched what could be one of the most ironic and heartbreaking storylines in professional sports unfold in real time as four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers go down with an Achilles tear in just his fourth snap with the team.
New York traded for Aaron Rodgers in the offseason with the Green Bay Packers who have since moved on with their heir apparent in Jordan Love. The Jets gave up a 2024 conditional first round pick (now a second round with Rodgers’ injury), their 2023 first, second, and sixth round pick to nab what could be one of the organization’s highest profile deals since the trade for Brett Favre in a motif eerily similar to the Rodgers’ deal.
THE FULL RODGERS TALE: The Aaron Rodgers Saga in Green Bay Might Be Over
While Rodgers is ruled out for the regular season, rumors have popped up that he could be ready to go if all goes well for the postseason. That is, if the Jets get there. New York won their fateful Monday Night matchup in overtime against the Bills but got blown out by the Cowboys in a 30-10 beatdown with third-year Zach Wilson at the helm.
Rodgers went an unconventional Achilles surgery, a theme that has become all too common in recent memory in the Aaron Rodgers’ saga.
“Sources say renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his team performed a procedure to place an internal brace — called an Achilles ‘speed bridge’ — on Rodgers’ fully torn left Achilles, which he ruptured just four snaps into Monday’s game against the Bills. While there are no guarantees, the speed bridge protects the repair and opens up the possibility of an earlier return, sources say,” read a report by insiders Ian Rappoport and Tom Peliserro.
The entire ordeal and operation is a relatively new process, with not many guarantees. The idea is that the science is supposed to speed up the recovery process, allowing Rodgers to come back as soon as the Wild Card Round. In most scenarios, a full Achilles tear would take a player out for the season and the entire offseason, yet Rodgers seems willing to expedite the process and be ready if the Jets make the playoffs.
“There’s a lot of different ideas about the overall length of the rehab. I think what I’d like to say is, just because nobody’s ever done it in a certain way doesn’t mean it’s not possible,” Rodgers said. “I definitely have some odds stacked against me based on age, but I like it. Stack all the odds up against me and see what happens. My entire focus and dedication is about acquiring the most information and adding to what I’ve already put together as a pretty damn good rehab plan that’s going to, I think, shock some people.”
Rodgers posted on Instagram a lengthy caption that read, “I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.
The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”
On an exclusive interview on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers once again addressed naysayers– pushing the fact that his recovery might surprise a lot of people, “Give me the doubts. Give me the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen.”
“Because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need. So give me your timetables. Give me your doubts. Give me your prognostications. And then watch what I do.”
