Aaron Rodgers returned to the practice field Wednesday, less than three months after suffering a torn Achilles in the season-opening loss to the Bills.
It’s the latest step in his remarkable recovery. But what does it actually mean in terms for his chances of getting back on the field? And how will that decision be made?
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We haven’t heard from Rodgers directly on that yet, but here are the most meaningful things his teammates and coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday about his potential return.
Why his window was activated
Saleh announced Wednesday that the Jets were set to activate Rodgers’ practice window, which means they have between now and Dec. 20 to decide if they want to activate him to the 53-man roster or let him revert back to injured reserve. That’s it. It doesn’t mean he’s definitely coming back, or that even if they activate him to the roster on Dec. 20, he will definitely play.
Under normal circumstances, the Jets probably wouldn’t be opening Rodgers’ practice window yet. He would have been working off on a side field for a week or two with the other injured players as he got his stamina back.
But he would have been forced to throw to members of the coaching staff or training staff in that scenario. But by activating him for practice, he can do those drills with teammates. Saleh admits that’s a big reason the Jets activated him.
“This isn’t so much getting ready to play as much as it is a progression this rehab.,” Saleh said. “What he will be doing in practice is no different than what he would be doing on field three as you guys all watch it, with regards to certain drills and individual, being able to throw it. Instead of throwing with staff members, he is throwing with teammates, so there’s no added risk to it. There are certain things that he’s been cleared for that we’re going to allow him to do.”
Organizational decision
Saleh was asked multiple variations of the same question:…
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