Aaron Rodgers may very well be on his way back. Potentially, at least. Head coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday the team is opening the 21-day practice window for the quarterback.
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
By opening the window now, Rodgers is able to return to practice but will do so on a very limited basis. The Jets now have until December 20 to officially activate Rodgers from injured reserve. If not, similar to if the team wouldn’t have activated Duane Brown by Thanksgiving, Rodgers will officially be done for the season as he will remain on injured reserve the rest of the way.
Saleh said Rodgers “has been cleared for functional football activity.” He also added: “Aaron is not going to do anything that puts him in harm’s way.” Rodgers has not been cleared for contact. This is a progression in his rehab, Saleh noted.
Saleh also mad it clear any decision on Rodgers will not be made until the end of the practice window, indicating the earliest he’ll return to game action would be December 24 against the Washington Commanders, which had seemed like the target for some time now.
It’s a testament to Rodgers’ rehabilitation and surgical procedure with the speed bridge that the Jets were even able to open his practice window just 11 weeks after the injury. Rodgers turns 40 Saturday.
The Jets also opened the practice windows for special-teams captain Justin Hardee and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer.
