New York Jets' QB Aaron Rodgers is apparently well ahead of his rehab from a torn Achilles and might be able to return much sooner. This would be a nightmare scenario for the New England Patriots, who are already set to be within both Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez for an extended period of time.
Not only have the Patriots lost their two defensive players, but they might also have to deal with the return of Aaron Rodgers during the 2023 NFL season. Rodgers made his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee show and talked about his rehab thus far and how he's approaching it mentally:
"Going to that game on Sunday was always the goal..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 3, 2023
I'm well ahead of the normal protocols when it comes to rehab for this injury and we're always trying to speed up the timeline"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/QY4mKcoqPm
The four-time MVP, who tore his Achilles in Week 1 after just four plays, is apparently well ahead of his rehab, and it matches up with reporting from Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero:
""Sources say renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his team performed a procedure to place an internal brace -- called an Achilles "speed bridge" -- on Rodgers' fully torn left Achilles, which he ruptured just four snaps into Monday's game against the Bills. While there are no guarantees, the speed bridge protects the repair and opens up the possibility of an earlier return, sources say.""Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero
This is what Rodgers had to say further about the situation:
Aaron Rodgers acknowledged his goal is to work his way back this season but also added that: “I’d like us to be alive and winning for that to even be a conversation.” (On @PatMcAfeeShow)#Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 3, 2023
Obviously, if the Jets are, something like 5-9 and are out of the postseason picture, there would be no reason for Aaron Rodgers to return to the lineup at all. However, the New York Jets do have a strong defense and perhaps could find some more consistent play from Zach Wilson, which would surely pave a clear path for Rodgers to return during the regular season.
He also had this to say:
"There's nothing normal about how I'm attacking this rehab. There is common practices about six weeks in a boot, and I was in a shoe in like 13 days."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 3, 2023
Aaron Rodgers talked about his rehab with @patmcafeeshow. pic.twitter.com/k9ZH0i038N
Guys, it truly does seem like Aaron Rodgers has a chance to return in the regular season. I would put nothing past him, and this could be terrible news for the New England Patriots. Hopefully, the Jets continue to lose and there is no discussion about Rodgers returning.