NFL News Aaron Rodgers’ Return to Practice

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The New York Jets have taken a significant step towards Aaron Rodgers’ potential return by opening his window to return to practice this Wednesday. This could potentially affect the Jets NFL Lines when he returns. This development comes just a day after Rodgers expressed on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he isn’t ready to play as he continues to recover from an Achilles tendon tear sustained in Week 1. Rodgers focused on his health, has also mentioned the Jets’ AFC playoff position, currently standing at 4-7 and 15th in the conference, as a factor in his decision to return this season.

Coach Robert Saleh of the Jets clarified that activating Rodgers from injured reserve isn’t an immediate indication of his return to game action. Rodgers, 39, has a 21-day period during which the team can activate him. However, Saleh emphasized that Rodgers’ involvement in practice is more about advancing his rehabilitation process than preparing for games.

Rodgers’ Health and Rehabilitation

Rodgers has been cleared for “functional football activity” but isn’t yet ready to engage in full-contact play. His clearance came from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the Achilles surgery, and the Jets’ medical team. Rodgers’ participation in team drills will depend on further clearance from the doctors, ensuring he does not jeopardize his health.

While Rodgers’ return to the practice field is an encouraging sign, his comeback to game action remains uncertain. The key milestone in his recovery will be clearance for contact, a step that appears to be some time away. Rodgers has reiterated the importance of the Jets being playoff contenders for his return to be meaningful. However, with the Jets’ slim playoff chances, the situation remains speculative.

Jets’ Current Quarterback Situation

In the absence of Rodgers, the Jets have benched Zach Wilson, who initially stepped in for Rodgers, and have turned to Tim Boyle as their starting quarterback, with Trevor Siemian as the backup. The impact this will have on NFL Odds for the Jets is still unclear. Boyle led the team in their recent loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Rodgers has clearly outlined his criteria for returning: his health status, the team’s position and potential for a playoff run, and his ability to play at his expected level. He emphasizes the importance of being able to move and protect himself effectively on the field. As he stated, the decision to play hinges on his health progress, which is still short of him being game-ready.

An Insight into Rodgers’s Career

Aaron Rodgers’ Hall of Fame-worthy career, highlighted by his record-setting performances before joining the Jets, showcases his exceptional talent. He ranks ninth in NFL history with 59,055 career passing yards, a feat achieved by only 12 quarterbacks who have surpassed 50,000 yards. In his first five seasons as a starter, Rodgers amassed an unprecedented 21,332 passing yards, the highest for any quarterback in their initial five seasons.

In the postseason, Rodgers’ brilliance is further evident with 5,894 passing yards, the fourth-highest in NFL history, making him one of just seven players to exceed 5,000 playoff passing yards. His prowess extends to completing over 5,000 passes, a milestone reached by only eight players. With 475 career touchdowns, Rodgers ranks fifth all-time, trailing only legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. This achievement places him among the elite group of eight quarterbacks with over 400 touchdowns, and he holds the Packers’ record in this category.

Rodgers’ durability and consistency are also noteworthy, as he’s one of 14 quarterbacks to play in at least 230 NFL games. He has recorded 150 games with two or more passing touchdowns, ranking fifth in this regard. His 147 career wins, tying with Dan Marino for the seventh most all-time.