- Coach Robert Saleh said Friday that the 40-year-old quarterback “pushed it a little bit”
- Rodgers has participated in individual and 7-on-7 drills, but not yet in 11-on-11 drills
- READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers throws a perfect spiral in his return to Jets practice
Aaron Rodgers is increasing his workload at Jets practice as he tries to return from a torn Achilles tendon before New York's deadline to activate him from injured reserve next week.
Coach Robert Saleh said Friday that the 40-year-old quarterback “pushed it a little bit” during Thursday's practice, when he was listed as a limited participant after sitting out Wednesday.
Saleh said Rodgers, who was injured four times in his debut with the team on Sept. 11, was under center a few times, made a few bootleg plays and jogged during practice.
“He looks normal,” Saleh said, laughing. 'It's unbelievable. Credit to him, especially in this day and age when a hangnail can impact a game week, but this guy is trying to get himself back. It just shows how much he cares. I appreciate him.'
Rodgers has participated in individual and 7-on-7 drills. The next step is for the four-time NFL MVP to participate in 11-on-11 drills, although it is uncertain when that will happen.
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field at MetLife Stadium after the Jets' recent win over the Texans
The Jets opened the 21-day practice period for Rodgers on Nov. 29, when he was cleared for some football activity but not contact. That period expires next Wednesday, when the Jets must activate him from injured reserve or else Rodgers will be placed on IR for the rest of the season.
Rodgers has his sights set on playing again on Dec. 24, when the Jets host Washington. He has said he needs to feel he can protect himself well on the field, the Jets need to stay in the playoff hunt — and doctors need to clear him to play. Rodgers said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that there are still “some things I have to do in order to be exonerated.”
He had surgery on September 13, a procedure that reportedly involved placing an internal brace, called a “speed bridge,” on Rodgers' Achilles tendon to help speed the healing process. If Rodgers plays this season, he would make the fastest known comeback from that injury among professional athletes.
The Jets (5-8) travel to Miami to take on the AFC East rival Dolphins (9-4) on Sunday, with Zach Wilson starting at quarterback. Wilson bounced back from a two-game benching to throw for 301 yards in New York's 30-6 win over Houston last Sunday. The third-year quarterback was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
On Thursday, footage shared by SNY showed Rodgers moving with ease during practice.
The Jets (5-8) travel to Miami to face the Dolphins (9-4) on Sunday with Zach Wilson at QB
In the video, Rodgers could be seen running, turning and putting weight on his leg. Meanwhile, his pitches seemingly showed no rust despite not playing since September 11th.
While Rodgers and fans initially thought his season was over, Rodgers worked to be the first to return from the injury in four months.
Less than a month after undergoing surgery on September 13, Rodgers walked through the Jets locker room unassisted on October 1. Two weeks later, Rodgers threw a football, signaling the historic return for the first time.
“There's nothing normal about the way I'm attacking this rehab,” Rodgers said in September. 'It's common for a boot to last six weeks, and I was in a boot in 13 days. Again, this is just my way of thinking.”
In late October, Taylor Lewan reported that a source close to Rodgers said he would return in December, which now appears to be the case.