The New York Jets’ star quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes he can return from Achilles injury earlier than expected and isn’t ruling out playing again before the 2023 season wraps up.
Rodgers tore his Achilles in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills and underwent what was supposed to be a season-ending surgery, considering the usual recovery timeline. However, the 39-year-old stated in a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that he believes he can beat the odds.
“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.”
When asked whether he thinks he can return in time to play this season, Rodgers left the possibility open.
“Let’s attack this rehab as hard as we can and see where we’re at in a couple of months,” Rodgers replied. “Obviously, I’d like us to be alive and winning and for that to even be in the conversation, but I don’t think it hurts to put that into the manifestation.”
It would be stunning if Rodgers ended up actually playing again in 2023. Athletes usually need at least six months to recover from a torn Achilles. There were examples where players returned after four or five months, but Rodgers would have to recover even faster to reach his goal.
With Rodgers out, the Jets have been struggling to stay afloat. They are currently 1-3, suffering three straight losses and not looking anywhere close to making a push for the playoffs.
