The Jets pulled off one of the season’s most noteworthy upsets in Week 6 with a win over the Eagles, but a signficant development took place before kickoff. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers took part in a throwing session with Jets personnel, as detailed by Andy Vasquez of NJ.com. 
Rodgers was not on crutches and planted on his left foot – the one in which he suffered a torn Achilles four snaps into the campaign – while throwing. That came 32 days after he underwent surgery to repair the injury, one which is traditionally seen as being season-ending. The 39-year-old has expressed a plan to return in time for the end of the 2023 season, however, and Sunday’s development marked another noteworthy step in his recovery.
Foregoing the traditional procedure used to repair Achilles tears, Rodgers’ surgery consisted of a ‘speed bridge‘ being used. That relatively new technique carries the potential for players to return to action much quicker than in previous years, and has helped lead to speculation Rodgers could follow through on his goal of recovering in time for the playoffs. It remains to be seen how the Jets will fare through the remainder of the remainder of the season, though, which will no doubt inform his chances of suiting up in the intermediate future.
Head coach Robert Saleh has remained firmly committed to backup Zach Wilson, and the Jets have not made inquiries into many veteran passers. Indeed, only Tim Boyle has been added to date, with Wilson showing signs of improvement in recent weeks. New York has won two straight games while still leaning heavily on its defense and Breece Hall-led run game, bringing the team’s record to 3-3. Plenty of work remains to be done to put the Jets in playoff contention, but a scenario where Rodgers (whom ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes remained on the sidelines and in communication with the team’s coaching staff on Sunday) is able to return could be in play down the road.
“I’m one of those guys searching, like, ‘Is he supposed to do this?'” Saleh said during a Good Morning Football appearance. “I’ve coached Richard Sherman, who was coming off his Achilles. I’ve got friends who have had Achilles injuries, and what he’s doing, according to them, is absolutely ridiculous. For him to be walking already, I wouldn’t put anything past him… He is willing himself to return faster than what you’re supposed to be.
“We’re leaving the door open for him but it’s amazing to see how hard he’s been working and the intent at which he’s been doing it” (h/t NFL.com’s Kevin Patra).
Rodgers agreed to a reworked contract before the start of the season which saw him take a substantial pay cut in terms of guaranteed money he was initially due. He is still in line to earn $38MM next season, however, and he has expressed a willingness to play at least two seasons in New York. That goal hit a massive roadblock in Week 1, but the four-time MVP continues to make progress in his rehab process which could allow him to see the field before the 2024 season.
respect
That sounds amazing, but will that “speed bridge” repair hold up? I suppose that’s a concern for any soft tissue repair, but I’d be highly nervous about rushing a return to normality so quickly…let alone one of the most athletically demanding activities in the world.
Rodgers, in addition to being physically ready, is also going to have a lot of catching up to do in regards to getting in rhythm. He’s going to have to be more mobile than usual if he’s behind in the offense. I would be very hesitant to play him again this year, with what I know as an outsider.
As much as I dislike him, if anyone can catch up quickly it’s a future HOF and several time MVP.
This isn’t Lamar Jackson returning from the same injury. This is a top 5 pocket passer all time.
He’s 40. Body don’t heel as quickly as when u were younger. Be afraid of rushing back to soon n reinjuring that Achilles, especially w/new medical procedure being attempted. How’s Jets OL doin cause he’s probably gonna be statue back there if he makes it back this season.
He didn’t injure his arm. Also he is a QB so this makes sense.
Not sure anyone said it didn’t make sense. Just a lot of people are wondering if this is even possible… because no-one has ever done this before.
Until his Achilles explodes…i fear this won’t end well for Rogers or the Jets
Sherminator With what a chaotic rollercoaster their season has been so far, Rodgers will be just fine and lead them to a SB loss to the NFC South Champs, or they’ll go all the way and Zach will be a SB MVP against SF. No in between.
I hope you’re sharing what you’re smoking. The NJ Jets won’t even get a sniff of the playoffs this year
It’s the power of the healing crystals
he was never much of a scambler anyways, he should be ready in january
Rodgers actually was extremely mobile, even if he didn’t scramble often. Mobility as a passer, even for non runners, is pretty much expected today, but Rodgers has done that for years at a high level (remember, he suffered his infamous collarbone injury outside the pocket). Any sudden or quick movement at all will probably test that Achilles. I’m not worried about him scrambling for yardage, if I’m the Jets. I’m much more worried stepping up or laterally to avoid the rush, or rolling out on designs. Even if, in the very best case scenario that it is healed, Rodgers is also going to have to regain confidence in that foot to instinctively trust it again. Defenses will target it. And he is going to be very behind, even as much as he is probably studying.
This would be a huge morale boost for the Jets and a big sign of leadership and team commitment, but it makes me very nervous as to whether the risk is worth the potential reward for a 40 year old player-even a HoFer of Rodgers’ caliber, as been pointed out above by Pawtucket.
While I would never consider Rodgers to be a running quarterback, he is/was an excellent scrambling quarterback. There is an article by PFF that talks about scrambling in great detail.
“he was never much of a scambler anyways”
I’d say the opposite is true. He always knows exactly when to scramble and where the first down marker is. He’s not super fast and doesn’t have any moves but he’s an excellent scrambler.
They better get that o-line upgraded soon or else he’ll be injured again after 4 more snaps…
You could argue Rodgers is one of the very best scrambling quarterbacks of all time. Among non running QBs that is.
If he comes back this year he might need a wheel chair instead of crutches with the offensive line they have.
That line is the reason he’s injured. It’s horrendous.
“Indeed, only Tim Boyle has been added to date,”
They also added Trevor Siemian, albeit to the practice squad.
who
Roger Goodell certainly won’t want players using “speed bridges” unless he can setup a toll booth on them.
AFC Championship
Mr. Pfizer vs. Mr. Natural Healing
The procedure shouldn’t effect his 40 time!