Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers plans to rejoin his teammates after New York’s Week 7 bye, according to a report from NBC’s Melissa Stark.
Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles just four plays into his Jets debut in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
But he’s already set an ambitious goal on his road to recovery after returning to MetLife on Sunday to face his teammates against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“He told me he was medically cleared to fly and flew in from Los Angeles last night,” Stark said during the Jets vs Chiefs broadcast.
‘He surprised the team at their hotel. Only Robert Saleh knew he was coming. Rodgers told me he had to be here. He wanted to tell the team to relax – and ignore the noise – by saying we’re only three games in. He plans to fly back to California this week to have his stitches removed and continue aggressive rehabilitation five hours a day.”
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is targeting Week 7 to join his teammates in New York full-time
Rodgers suffered a torn left Achilles just four games into his New York Jets debut in Week 1
Rodgers was able to put weight on his injured Achilles tendon at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening
“His plan is to permanently rejoin the team after their Week 7 bye. And he told me his goal is to play again this season.”
Reports emerged shortly after Rodgers underwent surgery on the injured Achilles tendon stating that he may even be aiming for an unlikely return to the playoffs after undergoing a relatively new process involving the placement of an internal brace in his ankle, it has been revealed as a ‘speed bridge’.
The procedure was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who also operated on Kobe Bryant’s torn Achilles tendon in 2013 and saw the legendary Laker return to court within eight months.
While no specific timetables or guarantees have been given for Rodgers’ potential return to the field, it appears the groundbreaking surgery could indeed help the 39-year-old QB recover much faster than normally seen after an Achilles tear.
Shortly before Sunday night’s game, Rodgers appeared on the Jets’ sideline and was seen using crutches to gingerly apply weight to his leg as he hobbled around the field, despite having undergone surgery just 18 days earlier.
He also wore what appeared to be a brace or air box on his injured ankle.
The standard timeline for recovery from a torn Achilles tendon still has patients in walking boots until at least six to eight weeks after surgery, but Rodgers has been able to apply at least light pressure in less than three weeks.
Even if Rodgers is back with the Jets full-time in Week 7, that doesn’t mean he’ll take the field or even start practicing anytime soon. Instead, he’ll likely just be back in the building with his teammates and coaches.