Jets coach Robert Saleh announced the team is opening the 21-day practice window for Aaron Rodgers, a significant hurdle in the quarterback’s rehab from his Achilles injury. The move means that Rodgers can officially return to practice and New York will have three weeks to decide whether to activate him off of injured reserve or to officially rule him out for the season.
Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 against the Bills, and injury that virtually always requires a year-long recovery. However, the quarterback had a unique Achilles surgery in hopes that he can return this year, and this milestone is a significant step forward in that idea.
While Rodgers will practice, Saleh said he will not return if he feels he is at risk of reinjury.
Coach Saleh says that QB Aaron Rodgers' 21-day practice window will open today pic.twitter.com/kZSW9HFC9k
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 29, 2023
“Aaron is not going to do anything that puts himself in harm’s way,” Saleh said, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Additionally, Rodgers already hinted that he will not play this year if the Jets are too far out of playoff positioning. New York is currently 4–7 on the season, as the Patriots are the only team in the AFC to have a worse record.
The Jets could decide not to activate Rodgers from injured reserve, but this move allows them to assess where the quarterback is in practice. Saleh added that whatever happens to end the season shouldn’t impact Rodgers’ commitment to the team next year.
“We are under the impression that he will be back in ’24 regardless of what happens,” Saleh said, via SNY.
