(Florham Park) The New York Jets officially opened a 21-day practice window for quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday, meaning the four-time NFL MVP has taken another step forward in his rehabilitation after tearing an Achilles tendon.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on Saturday, has been given the green light to resume some of his athletic activities. However, he will be limited in his exercises and will not be able to take tackles. Saleh clarified that this new step in the star quarterback’s rehabilitation process did not involve any risk, but still wanted to point out that it did not mean that Rodgers would return to play this season.
At the end of this 21-day window, the Jets will have to make another decision: remove his name from the injured list, or leave him on the infirmary for the rest of the campaign.
Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon on the fourth play of his first game with the Jets on Sept. 11, and he had surgery two days later. The surgery included a medical procedure intended to speed up Rodgers’ rehabilitation process. The star quarterback is recovering quickly from the operation, and he still hopes to be able to make an early return to play.
Rodgers, however, indicated during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that two factors would impact his eventual return to play this season: doctors must give him the green light, and the Jets must be in the playoff race in the American Association.
The Jets (4-7) have lost four straight games and will host the NL South leaders, the Atlanta Falcons, on Sunday.
