The New York Jets landed superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers in an offseason blockbuster. But his time at center was short after he injured his Achilles in the fourth game of the season.
Rodgers has since undergone an innovative surgery that could speed up the quarterback’s recovery time.
Normally, Achilles injuries require a recovery time of nine months to a year. But Rodgers suggested he will suit up again this season and doubled down on Saturday in his hopes of playing again this year.
“It’s a process, step by step, day by day,” Rodgers told NBC Sports when he appeared at Santa Anita Park for the Breeders’ Cup. “There are some great days, some tough days. But the goal for me is to come back this year.”
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands on the sideline during the first half of a game against the New York Giants on October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The 39-year-old quarterback warned he needs to hit some benchmarks before he can play again.
“It has to be — otherwise, I think a lot of rehab would be wasted. We’ll see what happens. I have to hit some markers before that. I have to be able to get around. I have to be able to avoid hurting myself.”
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On Friday, Rodgers posted a cryptic message on his social media account.
“Just a little more…” Rogers wrote alongside a photo of his new Zenith watch on Instagram. Rodgers has a partnership with the luxury watch brand.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, and quarterback Zach Wilson watch practice in the rain before a game against the New York Giants on Oct. 29, 2023, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
There have been some signs of hope, the most recent coming last weekend when he dropped back and put some weight on his injured left leg while throwing several passes during warmups before the Jets’ game against the New York Giants.
Zach Wilson has faced criticism for his inconsistent play during his tenure with the Jets, and he entered this season as Rodgers’ backup. He returned to the starting role when Rodgers went down.
Rodgers praised Wilson’s play.
“The team is playing well,” Rodgers said. “Proud of Zach, proud of the boys. We’re 4-3. We’ve got a big one Monday night and one on NBC next week. So excited to get back out there (Sunday) and see the Guys, cheer for a win and keep improving.”
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers participates in a drill at the team’s practice facility in Florham Park, NJ, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers is a longtime horse racing fan. His pick for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic was the Japanese horse Ushba Tesoro, the No. 8 horse in the race. Rodgers picked him because his jersey number is 8 and told NBC he still regrets not betting No. 8 in the Kentucky Derby in May.
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The Jets host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
