Aaron Rodgers QB FA Thu 10/5/23 4:27 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers (Achilles) said Tuesday in his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he's "well ahead of the normal protocols" and remains optimistic that he'll be able to return to action before the conclusion of the 2023 season, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. "There's nothing normal about how I'm attacking this rehab," Rodgers said. "The common practice is about six weeks in a boot, and I was in a shoe in 13 days."
EDGE Analysis
In addition to recovering from the surgery he underwent three weeks ago on his ruptured left Achilles' tendon, Rodgers disclosed Tuesday that he's also dealing with a deltoid issue, which he presumably sustained when he injured the Achilles just four snaps into his Jets debut in the Week 1 win over the Bills. Rodgers is wearing a brace to protect the deltoid, but he otherwise looks to already be making strong progress in his recovery from Achilles surgery, as Cimini notes that the quarterback was "walking briskly" with the aid of crutches prior to this past Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. Rodgers will move his rehab to California for the next two weeks before rejoining the Jets following their Week 7 bye, but the 39-year-old is still facing an uphill battle to play again this season, even if New York qualifies for the playoffs and makes a deep run. A typical recovery from an Achilles' tendon tear is 6-to-9 months, and while Rodgers is optimistic he'll be able to beat that timeline, even a four-month recovery would keep him out until mid-January.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Sun 9/17/23 9:25 AM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers is targeting a return to action during the playoffs after undergoing an innovative surgery Wednesday in Los Angeles to repair his torn left Achilles' tendon, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report.
EDGE Analysis
Achilles tears have historically been season-ending injuries, with Rams running back Cam Akers -- who needed just under five months to recover from surgery in 2021 -- having thus far staged the fastest-known recovery from the injury. Rodgers is hopeful to match or beat that five-month recovery timeline, which would fall just under a week before Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. According to the report, Rodgers and the Jets are optimistic that he'll be in store for an accelerated rehab after his surgery included a procedure to place an internal bridge or "speed bridge" into the ruptured Achilles. The speed bridge is designed to better protect the repaired tendon and open the door for a return from surgery in as little as four months, though there are no guarantees, given that the procedure is a relatively novel one. In addition, Rodgers is expected to receive platelet-rich plasma injections to aid in accelerating the healing process. In a best-case scenario, Rodgers could be ready to play by mid-January, but that probably isn't an outcome the Jets are banking on, even if they claim a playoff spot.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Fri 9/15/23 2:36 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers (Achilles) implied Friday during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he intends to return to the field for the Jets in 2024, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. "Give me the doubts...give me the things that you think can should or will happen. All I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That's all I need," Rodgers said.
EDGE Analysis
Before the Jets acquired him from the Packers in April, Rodgers famously took his time earlier in the offseason to decide whether he wanted to continue his playing career in 2023. Rodgers ultimately opted against retirement in order to play a 19th NFL season, only for it to end after just four snaps Monday, when he suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in his Jets debut in the team's 22-16 overtime win over the Bills. Per Rapoport, Rodgers told McAfee that he experienced "a lot of sadness, a lot of tears" as a result of the significant injury, but he had surgery Wednesday and now appears to be committed to attacking his rehab with the intention of being ready for the 2024 season. Though he'll turn 40 years old in December and will be working his way back from major surgery, Rodgers seems optimistic that he's capable of returning to top form.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Thu 9/14/23 8:55 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers underwent surgery to repair his torn left Achilles on Wednesday, Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rodgers sustained the injury in his Jets debut Monday against Buffalo and will be out for the rest of the season. Dr. Neal ElAttrache completed the surgery, which Rodgers indicated was successful in a post on Instagram. He will now begin a long recovery, with the potential goal of returning for the 2024 season.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Tue 9/12/23 4:36 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
The Jets officially placed Rodgers (Achilles) on injured reserve Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
This comes as no surprise after an MRI confirmed that Rodgers sustained a torn left Achilles in Monday's overtime win against the Bills. He'll thus miss the rest of his first season with the Jets, handing off the offense to third-year pro Zach Wilson. Considering his age (39), it stands to wonder if he'll attempt to ramp up for a 20th campaign in 2024.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Tue 9/12/23 11:03 AM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
The Jets have confirmed via an MRI on Tuesday that Rodgers suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles' tendon during Monday's 22-16 overtime win against the Bills, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rodgers' torn Achilles brings an abrupt end to his inaugural campaign with the Jets, as he went down on the team's fourth offensive play. His absence severely undermines the fantasy upside of the Jets' skill-position players, most notably Garrett Wilson, as well as Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb and Tyler Conklin. Coach Robert Saleh has already said that New York will proceed with Zach Wilson as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, but it nonetheless wouldn't be surprising if the team opts to explore bringing in another veteran option. The severity of Rodgers' injury also clouds his future with the Jets, as even with roughly 12 months to rehab before the 2024 season begins, there's no guarantee of a full recovery for the 39-year-old.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Mon 9/11/23 11:48 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
The Jets believe that Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury during Monday's 22-16 overtime win against the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rodgers got injured on the Jets' fourth offensive play and needed assistance reaching the sidelines before being carted to the locker room. X-rays were returned negative, but the 39-year-old quarterback was seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot. When combined with the fact coach Robert Saleh called Zach Wilson the team's starting quarterback the rest of the season, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Tuesday's MRI likely will confirm the worst news for Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Mon 9/11/23 9:10 PM 3 Comments
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers (ankle) will not return to Monday's game against the Bills.
EDGE Analysis
The good news is Rodgers' X-rays came back negative, but the injury still is severe enough to keep him out for the remainder of the game. That leaves Zach Wilson as the Jets' only healthy option under center for the rest of the game.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Mon 9/11/23 8:57 PM
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers (ankle) underwent X-rays and was subsequently seen wearing a walking boot as he made his way to the locker room, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rodgers was able to limp off the field with an ankle injury before getting carted to the locker room. There is no word on the result of the X-rays, but his walking boot does not bode well for his chances to return. Still, the team is labeling him as questionable to return.
Aaron Rodgers QB FA Mon 9/11/23 8:37 PM 1 Comment
Aaron Rodgers
QB FA
Rodgers is considered questionable to return to Monday's game against the Bills due to an ankle injury.
EDGE Analysis
Rodgers took a sack on the Jets' opening drive and subsequently limped off the field to the medical tent. From there, he was carted to the locker room. There is no word on the severity of the issue other than he is questionable to return. Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers under center.