- Rodgers told Pat McAfee on Tuesday that he is encouraged by his progress
- His return depends on two factors: his own health and the Jets’ postseason chances
- READ MORE: Rodgers targeting Christmas Eve match for return from Achilles injury
Aaron Rodgers’ chances of returning for the New York Jets this season depend on his recovery from his torn Achilles tendon and the team’s chances of reaching the postseason, he told ESPN’s Pat McAfee on Tuesday.
“I think the question has always been: Am I healthy?” Rodgers said Tuesday during his weekly remote interview with the former NFL punter. ‘And then: are we still alive and in it and are we playing well enough to score? Can I step in and protect myself and play at the level I think I’m capable of?
‘It’s about health first and then I can play,’ ‘are we alive for the play-offs?” second?’
Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in his first series with the Jets in September, but has since defied the odds by attempting to return to the 4-7 Jets this season.
In fact, Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino recently marveled at Rodgers’ progress.
Aaron Rodgers told Pat McAfee on Tuesday that he is encouraged by his progress
According to Rodgers, the Miami Dolphins legend referenced his own Achilles rupture during their conversation: “What are you doing? For me, the rehabilitation took eleven months.’
But as Rodgers said Tuesday, “It’s not a death sentence for a career anymore.”
The good news for Jets fans is that Rodgers’ recovery appears to be going remarkably well. Currently, he can place 70 percent of his body weight on his injured right leg while running at 8 miles per hour on a treadmill.
He has also been seen to be limping – a development he went through
“I’m getting better every week,” he said. “Being able to not travel to Buffalo probably helped me the most, just because I was able to recuperate for those 10 days straight without having to travel. And as nice as it is to see the boys, it also brings me back to rehab a little bit.”
Aaron Rodgers is helped off the field after rupturing his Achilles tendon in his first series with the Jets
Of course, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs continue to dwindle.
On Sunday, Zach Wilson’s replacement Tim Boyle failed to outperform his predecessor, throwing for 179 yards and two picks in a loss to the Miami Dolphins.
In addition to Wilson, the Jets also have Trevor Siemian, who is currently second on the depth chart behind Boyle.
If the Jets want a shot at the postseason – and a Rodgers return – they will have to beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.