With the New York Jets offence in a tailspin with Zach Wilson on the sticks, hope could be mere weeks ago.
Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles on his fourth snap of the season, told L.A. Chargers safety Derwin James post-game “Give me a few weeks,” when asked when he was coming back.
Considering how spry Rodgers looked during pre-game warmups on Monday, that might not be out of the realm of possibility.
Rodgers was seen dropping back and going through progressions as if he was prepping for a game, throwing passes 20-25 yards to targets. He later upped his range and started tossing 50-yard bombs towards the end zone.
We have seen Rodgers throw some passes on the sidelines during warmups before, but this activity certainly has ramped up.
The 39-year-old said on The Pat McAfee Show on Oct. 17 that he was “way ahead of schedule” in his recovery, but this is bordering on miraculous.
Typically, recovery from a torn Achilles can take between six months and a year before athletes can return to the field. Even then, there is the question of whether they can return to their previous level of production.
What we do know is that if what Rodgers is saying is true, he could be looking at returning to the field for the NFL’s first-ever Black Friday game, Nov. 24 against the Miami Dolphins, or in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 3.
What we do know is that Jets fans are sick of seeing Wilson under centre. The third-year pro was sacked eight times and lost two fumbles. He now has 10 turnovers on the season compared to just five TD passes and rates as one of the worst QBs in the league.
At this point, Jets fans are calling for journeyman backup Trevor Siemian to get the ball, so if Rodgers can come back, it’ll be the best early Christmas present ever for Gang Green supporters.