New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon and usually takes about nine months to recover, but that may not be the case for the 39-year-old who already has no walking shoes.
Aaron Rodgers is out of his walking shoes and hopes to shock the NFL world this year by returning from what was thought to be a season-ending injury before the season ended.
Rodgers told NBC’s Melissa Stark before the New York Jets hosted the Kansas City Chiefs on “Sunday Night Football” that his plan was to “rejoin the team permanently after the Week 7 bye.” and “his goal is to play again this season.”
The 39-year-old midfielder also mentioned that he will have his stitches removed this week and is rehabbing five hours a day. Rodgers was seen on the sideline during warmups for Sunday night’s game as the Chiefs used crutches and a cast. He chatted with owner Woody Johnson before meeting Chiefs star – and Swift’s rumored boyfriend – Travis Kelce.
He surprised his teammates this week by returning to them unannounced on Saturday, giving a prime-time pregame speech. Many reports suggest that he asked the team to stop criticizing each other and become better teammates.
Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon during the first practice of the season with the Buffalo Bills in his Jets debut after being acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason. A devastated Rodgers promised New York Jets fans he would work hard to return. He had surgery a few days after his injury, recovery time is usually around 9-12 months.
But less than three weeks later, he only had to wear a cast and use crutches. The four-time AP MVP returning just months after tearing his Achilles tendon would be an incredible feat, as he would prove to fans that he recovers quickly from not wearing previous walking shoes.
Without Rodgers under center, the Jets struggled mightily. Although they won their first game against the Bills, they lost their last two and fell to a 1-2 record after high expectations for a Super Bowl appearance. Rodgers will likely only return to the team if they have a chance of making the playoffs, which is unlikely with current quarterback Zach Wilson. The young midfielder – who was expected to have a season on the sidelines as Rodgers’ student and mentor – has struggled to find success in relieving Rodgers.