Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is done for the rest of the season…or is he?
Thanks to an innovative surgery on his torn Achilles last week, the four-time MVP is not ruling out a return for the playoffs should the Jets get there. The surgery, done by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, includes placing an internal brace, or what is called a “speed bridge”, on the torn Achilles.
While not a guarantee, it could potentially speed up the repair and recovery and allow for an earlier return for Rodgers. The relatively new process could potentially brings athletes back from a torn Achilles within 4-5 months instead of the usual nine months, approximately.
Rodgers discussed the procedure on The Pat McAfee Show Friday.
“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. (H/T NFL.com) “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.”
First things first, the Jets have to make the playoffs and they have to do so with Zach Wilson as their quarterback, at least for now. Wilson is the man as the Jets feel he is their best option as of now but did check over all their possible options.
At the very least, a faster recovery would also allow Rodgers to have more of the offseason to prepare for the 2024 season as Rodgers has alluded he wants to return for another season with the Jets. But if the Jets make the playoffs and Rodgers can somehow return to play, especially at 40 years old, would be quite a sight to see.
The first step is Sunday when the Jets take on the Dallas Cowboys as New York looks for their first 2-0 start since 2015.